Gatwick Airport runway closed because of ‘spillage’

The 10.50am Aer Lingus flight (EI 236) from Dublin has been delayed until 11.45am as a result of the spillage.

Flight operations at Gatwick Airport, UK’s second-busiest, was today temporarily hit after the only runway was closed due to a suspected oil spillage.

At least four flights heading for London have been diverted to land at Hurn. The team at Gatwick are advising all passengers to check with their carrier for flight details.

“We’re hoping it will reopen very soon”, she added.

Flights are now able to arrive and depart however knock-on delays remain to flights.

The temporary closure, around 10.15am, meant some flights were delayed and diverted.

A spokeswoman for the airport confirmed there was a “spillage” which has now been cleared, amid reports that a Virgin Boeing 747 had dumped fuel on the tarmac.

“They are now waiting at Bournemouth until they can continue their journey to Gatwick”.