Gatwick Airport: ‘Emergency repairs’ close main runway as flights diverted

Gatwick’s main runway was closed and 11 flights were diverted on Wednesday (August 16).

By Lynn Rusk

Published 16th Aug 2023, 16:56 BST

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Gatwick Airport closed this afternoon, with multiple flights being delayed amid reports of a damaged runway.

Photos from the scene showed fire engines on the runway.

Passenger Rosalind Paris posted on X (formerly Twitter): "#Gatwick What’s happening at Gatwick today? Planes being diverted or grounded and fire engine spotted... #news #planes #flying #airport."

Aaron Boyle posted: "We just landed at Southend on an EasyJet flight diverted from Gatwick.”

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: "The main runway was closed for a short time today (August 16) due to emergency repairs. 11 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."

Gatwick Airport

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