Gatwick, UK – Chaos ensued at Gatwick Airport this Friday afternoon when a British Airways plane experienced an aborted takeoff due to hot brakes, forcing the closure of the airport’s primary runway. The incident occurred shortly after 1 PM, disrupting numerous flights and causing significant delays.
The aircraft, a British Airways jet, was preparing for departure when the pilots identified an issue with the plane’s brakes. Acting swiftly, they aborted the takeoff to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board. As a precautionary measure, the plane was immediately surrounded by four fire engines to cool down the overheated brakes.
Gatwick Fire and Rescue teams, along with West Sussex Fire and Rescue services, were promptly scrambled to the scene. The coordinated efforts of these emergency services ensured that the situation was brought under control without any injuries or further incidents.
Passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft and transported back to the terminal, where they received assistance and were rebooked on alternative flights. British Airways has expressed its gratitude for the swift response of the emergency teams and is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the brake issue.
In the meantime, Gatwick Airport authorities are working diligently to manage the backlog of flights and minimize disruptions. The affected runway remains closed as safety checks and aircraft recovery operations continue. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight schedules and potential delays.
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “The main runway was closed for a short time today (28 June) due to a departing aircraft having hot brakes. Safety is our top priority and the dedicated airport fire service swiftly attended to support the aircraft. A number of flights were diverted. The runway is now open and operating as normal
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safety protocols and the expertise of emergency services in handling unexpected situations. Gatwick Airport and British Airways have both reaffirmed their commitment to passenger safety and operational efficiency.
[Update] As of the latest reports, the runway is expected to reopen later this evening once all safety inspections are completed and the aircraft is cleared from the runway. Passengers are encouraged to remain patient as the airport works to return to normal operations.
For ongoing updates, please visit the Gatwick Airport website or contact the British Airways customer service hotline.
Further update from Gatwick airport:
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.”
