London Gatwick Airport temporarily suspended flight operations on Friday afternoon after a departing aircraft developed a technical problem and became stranded on the runway.
The runway remained closed for approximately 50 minutes while the aircraft was towed away. Operations resumed after airport personnel completed a full safety inspection.
The closure caused widespread disruption, with some arriving flights diverted to London Stansted and Birmingham. By 19:30, Flightradar24 reported that 89% of flights were delayed and 9% cancelled, with delays averaging just over an hour.
Gatwick said safety remained its priority. Airlines are responsible for transporting passengers from diversion airports to their ticketed destination and, depending on the delay, providing meals, refreshments or accommodation.