All flights suspended at Gatwick Airport after ‘incident’ on BA flight
There has been major disruption at Gatwick Airport as planes were unable to take off or land.
Plane tracking data showed several aircraft being held both in the airspace near to Gatwick and above the English Channel.
The take-off of a British Airways flight to Vancouver, Canada, had to be aborted, according to flight tracking data.
The airline has now confirmed that take-off had to be cancelled due to a ‘technical issue’, but the runway is now open and running as normal.
A number of flights were delayed by the disruption, which will have affected England fans planning on flying to Germany.
One passenger on the flight described the scary moment the take-off was aborted and she was flung forwards in her seat.
Emily, an aerospace engineering student, told Metro.co.uk: ‘I was slightly concerned to be flying on a Boeing but we got on, everything seemed normal.
‘We started accelerating to take off and then suddenly the force reversed and we were pushed forwards in our seats instead of backwards, then the plane abruptly stopped.
‘We were notified that the plane’s take off have been aborted due to a technical issue and then the fire brigade came to cool the plane down due to the quick stop.
‘Everyone was unhurt and after about an hour we got off the plane. The cabin crew were very nice and said that they’d never seen anything like it before.
‘The damage wasn’t visible, though the spoilers looked smoky.
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‘We then were funneled into customs with no idea what to do next! Luckily managed to book a flight for tomorrow.
‘I feel for people who were returning home or are going to get caught up in the delays.’
A spokesperson for British Airways said: ‘Our pilots took the precautionary decision to cancel take-off due to a technical issue.
‘Safety is always our top priority and we apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.’
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: ‘The main runway was closed for 50 minutes today (28 June) due to a departing aircraft having hot brakes.
‘Safety is our top priority and London Gatwick’s dedicated airport fire service swiftly attended to support the aircraft.
’16 inbound flights were diverted during the closure. The runway is now open and operating as normal.
’23 flights were cancelled and there are a number of delays due to the knock-on impact.
‘We are working with our airlines and other airport partners to minimise disruption. Passengers should contact their airlines directly for the latest flight information.’
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