Gatwick Airport, the UK's second-busiest airport, experienced a sudden runway closure overnight on July 14-15, 2026, after a British Airways flight from Palma de Mallorca developed a technical issue upon landing. The incident forced 14 flights to divert to other airports, and nine aircraft squawked emergency code 7700, likely due to low fuel, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24.
Runway Closure and Diversions
The runway was shut shortly after the BA flight touched down, with fire engines surrounding the aircraft. The closure lasted until approximately 1:30 a.m. on July 15. Flights from airlines including British Airways, TUI, easyJet, and Jet2 were rerouted to Stansted, London Heathrow, Luton, and Birmingham airports. A total of 14 flights were diverted before the runway reopened.
Passenger Experiences
One passenger travelling from Tenerife was diverted to Stansted. They posted on social media: 'Still on the plane to see what's happening next !! Hoping we can be flown back to Gatwick soon! It's been much longer flight from Tenerife than usual.' Many diverted flights later returned to Gatwick after the runway was cleared.
Official Statements
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: 'Earlier this morning, the runway was closed for a short period due to a technical issue with an aircraft. As a result, a small number of flights were diverted, with the majority later returning to London Gatwick. As always, safety and security is our number one priority.'
Emergency Code 7700
Flightradar24 reported that nine flights originally bound for Gatwick squawked code 7700, a general emergency code often used when aircraft are low on fuel. The tracker showed many of these planes had circled near the airport before diverting. The technical issue was resolved and the airfield reopened after the aircraft was moved off the runway.
