Major disruption has been reported at Gatwick Airport after it was forced to close a runway.
One passenger described how a plane was “stuck” and “blocking the runway” – with the airport saying the issue was caused by the aircraft’s brakes overheating.
Thousands now face disruption, with Gatwick‘s website showing delays to at least 13 flights that were due to take off between 2pm and 3.30pm.
The runway reopened after being closed following a “rejected take-off” by a British Airways plane, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24.
The website reported the closure of the runway lasted little more than 20 minutes, from 12.53pm until 1.14pm.
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson told Sky News: “The main runway was closed for a short time today due to a departing aircraft having hot brakes.
“Safety is our top priority and the dedicated airport fire service swiftly attended to support the aircraft. A number of flights were diverted. The runway is now open and operating as normal.”
British Airways said pilots took a “precautionary” measure and apologised for the inconvenience.
“Our pilots took the precautionary decision to cancel take-off due to a technical issue,” a spokesperson said.
“Safety is always our top priority and we apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.”
Some flights have been delayed by hours, including a Wizz Air trip to Malaga, which had been scheduled to depart at 3.25pm but is now expected to take off at 7.30pm.
A British Airways flight to Dubrovnik, which is supposed to take off at 4.45pm, has been delayed until 8.45pm.
On Sunday, all flights at two terminals Manchester Airport were grounded after a major power cut, with disruption spilling over into Monday.
In May, at least nine airports were affected by a nationwide border issue, with Stansted and Gatwick reporting the issue was related to e-gates at passport control.