Bristol Airport has grounded all flights this evening following the discovery of a runway defect. All flights remain suspended until at least 6am, causing significant disruption for travellers.
Safety Precaution
A spokesperson said: "Due to a defect on the runway, we have temporarily suspended operations as a precaution, in order to inspect and repair the section affected."
They added: "We apologise for any inconvenience. Safety is always our number one priority. Customers should refer to their airlines with any flight queries. All flights are currently suspended until at least 6am tomorrow morning (Saturday August 8)."
Impact on Flights
The airport confirmed that runway operations were brought to a halt at 6.08pm. A number of flights are being cancelled or redirected to alternative airports, they confirmed. Inbound flights have been rerouted as a consequence of the closure.
Stranded passengers at European airports awaiting flights into Bristol reported being left to seek updates online, bracing themselves for lengthy delays.
Passenger Experience
One traveller, due to fly into Bristol Airport from Krakow in Poland this evening, said: "We were due to fly from Krakow to Bristol at 9.20pm but were told shortly before boarding that it was delayed for operational reasons. There's been no other info forthcoming from the airport so far and we've received all details about the delay by searching online."
