On August 16, 2023, all traffic was halted at London Gatwick Airport due to the closure of the runway for urgent repairs. Multiple flights were delayed and 11 flights were diverted as a result. Photos from the scene showed fire engines on the runway.
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Despite being the United Kingdom’s second busiest airport, Gatwick Airport uses a single-runway operation as Gatwick committed not to build a second runway for 40 years, they reached an agreement with the local municipality in 1979. This agreement, however, expired in 2019, allowing the airport to proceed with its second runway plans.
The main runway – Runway 08R/26L – is used for the majority of arrivals and departures. As of 9:00 p.m., data from FlightAware showed that a total of 410 flights have been delayed at London Gatwick on Wednesday, representing 42% of flights throughout the day. A London Gatwick spokesperson said: "The main runway was closed for a short time today (August 16) due to emergency repairs. The runway is now open and operating as normal. Safety is our top priority and we apologize to passengers for any inconvenience".
This incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks on airport infrastructure. It also serves as a reminder of the potential disruptions that can occur when unexpected issues arise. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on their flights.