Runway 'closed' at Gatwick Airport as fire engines rush to scene and flights diverted
Flights have been delayed after an incident at Gatwick Airport.
Flights were diverted and the runway briefly closed at Gatwick Airport as crews rushed to the scene of an incident at the airport. According to witnesses, fire engines rushed to the scene and an aircraft was reportedly leaking fuel.
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Reports from witnesses on Twitter suggest that after a short delay, the runway has reopened and aircraft are now taking off.
A spokeswoman for Gatwick Airport told The Argus: "The main runway was closed for a short time today due to emergency repairs. Four flights were diverted. The runway is now open and operating as normal.
"Safety is our top priority and we apologise to passengers for any inconvenience."
Some planes which were unable to land at Gatwick have been diverted to other airports such as Luton and Southend.
Speaking to MyLondon, one passenger said they weren't told anything until they were turned away from Gatwick.
Aaron Boyle said: "[We weren't] told too much. Was just on a holding pattern around Gatwick for ages and told nothing until we turned left away from London to Southend.
"Now landed at Southend to refuel and we hope to return to Gatwick.
"We were told the news and we are here for an hour due to this!"
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Another passenger tweeted during the incident that they received sporadic updates.
Simon Dyke wrote: "Apparently the runway has been closed at @Gatwick_Airport - anyone know why?
"My mother is on a flight from Dublin to Gatwick and getting sporadic updates on the runway having been closed."
Flights have now recommenced landing and taking off from the airport.