Gatwick in Turmoil as BA Plane Abort Takeoff with Hot Brakes
Gatwick Airport plunged into chaos this Friday afternoon after a British Airways jet aborted its takeoff due to dangerously hot brakes. The drama unfolded just after 1 PM, forcing the closure of the main runway and wreaking havoc on dozens of flights.
Brake Drama Sparks Emergency Response
The BA aircraft was lining up for departure when pilots spotted a brake problem. Safety first: they slammed the brakes and halted takeoff. Emergency crews swiftly surrounded the plane with four fire engines to cool down the overheating brakes and prevent disaster.
Gatwick Fire and Rescue, joined by West Sussex firefighters, raced to the scene. Their quick, coordinated action kept the situation under control. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Flight Chaos and Passenger Relief
- Passengers evacuated safely and sent back to the terminal.
- British Airways staff worked to rebook travellers on alternative flights.
- Gatwick’s main runway closed for 50 minutes, causing 16 inbound flight diversions.
- 23 flights cancelled with widespread delays echoing through the airport.
A 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 our fire service responded swiftly. The runway is now open and operating as normal.”
Ongoing Disruption as Investigations Continue
Officials are conducting a full probe into the brake fault while working hard to clear the backlog. The runway remains closed as safety inspections and aircraft recovery continue. Passengers are urged to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
British Airways lauded the emergency teams’ quick response and reassured travellers their safety is paramount. Gatwick Airport insists it is doing everything possible to get flights back on track without further hiccups.
For real-time updates, head to the Gatwick Airport website or contact British Airways customer services.
