Dozens of flights were delayed and diverted yesterday when Gatwick’s runway was closed for more than an hour because of a suspected oil spillage.
Some flights were forced to remain in the air while other services were diverted.
Reports suggest the temporary closure, from around 10.15am, followed a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 dumping fuel on the tarmac, causing widespread delays from mid-morning.
Passengers on diverted flights took to social media to complain about the delay in completing their journeys to Gatwick.
In a tweet, the airport said: "Some flights have been diverted & departing flights may be delayed. For an update on flights please check directly with your airline."
