Delays at Gatwick airport after oil spillage on runway

GATWICK has closed its runway due to an oil spillage causing dozens of flights to delay or divert. Some planes were left circling airborne whilst safety procedures were followed before allowing the landing. 

The runway was closed at around 10.15am on February 29 and re-opened at 11.40am and at least 19 incoming flights were diverted to nearby airports. 

Flight departures are said to have been taking place on a backup runway at the airport, but many have been delayed. A leaky aircraft is said to be the cause of the spillage at Gatwick, the UK´s second largest airport. 

A Gatwick spokesman said: ‘Arriving and departing flights recommenced from Gatwick at 11.38am. The runway closure has caused some flights to be diverted to other airports in the area.

‘There will be delays to some departing flights. Friends and family waiting for passengers should contact the relevant airline for the latest information.’ 

30 miles south of London, more than 40million passengers use Gatwick airport every year.