ALL FLIGHTS suspended after planes block runway

Flights currently in the air are circling the airport, some have already been diverted.

The plane initially remained on the tarmac, blocking the runway while rescue workers applied the brakes.

An eyewitness who was in another plane waiting to take off told ITV News Meridian: “Just as we were about to taxi onto the runway, the pilot announced that another plane was stuck and blocking the runway. They didn’t know how long it would take until the runway was clear.”

“It must be an hour now. The plane has now been towed off the runway and our engines are running again.”

They said that the plane bound for Vancouver appeared to be a British Airways aircraft.

Live flight data from the airport shows that the plane has now been relocated.

In a social media post, the airport said: “The main runway was closed for a short period today (June 28) due to the brakes of an aircraft taking off overheating.”

“Safety is our top priority and the airport fire service was immediately on site to assist the aircraft. Several flights were diverted.”

“The runway is now open and operating as normal. We advise passengers to contact their airline for the latest information regarding their flight.”

GB News has contacted Gatwick Airport for further information.