UPDATE: Team GB star one of 41 flights cancelled as '˜holes' force Gatwick runway to close

A Team GB athlete was on one of more than 40 flights cancelled as Gatwick Airport was forced to close its runway yesterday afternoon (Sunday June 12).
Gatwick Airport control tower with aircraft in flight in background SUS-150705-150051001Gatwick Airport control tower with aircraft in flight in background SUS-150705-150051001
Gatwick Airport control tower with aircraft in flight in background SUS-150705-150051001

The airport said its main runway was closed at around 3.50pm after part of the tarmac was damaged.

A spokesman said today: “Our main runway was temporarily closed yesterday while urgent repairs were made to a small isolated area of the tarmac as there was surface damage.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Forty-one flights were cancelled and many more were delayed whilst aircraft travelling to the airport were diverted.

On Twitter Team GB decathlon athlete Ben Gregory said: “Delayed in Prague because of holes in the runway at Gatwick?!?”

Angelica Malin Tweeted: “Our flight to @Gatwick_Airport has landed in Stansted because of a hole on the runway... Interesting.”

At 4.45pm flights were switched to the northern runway.

A Gatwick spokesman said: “While repairs were made, we switched our operation to the northern runway to keep as many flights as possible departing and arriving from Gatwick.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The runway has now been re-opened but some delays are still being experienced.

“Gatwick is returning to normal after the temporary closure of the runway yesterday afternoon.

“Some minor knock-on delays are occurring this morning while some of yesterday’s flights are accommodated in today’s schedule.

“Gatwick Airport will continue to work closely with our airline partners and do everything possible to assist our passengers and get them moving. Gatwick would like to apologise to everyone affected by yesterday’s disruption.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We advise all passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.