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Gatwick Airport flights grounded by runway spillage Gatwick Airport flights grounded by runway spillage
(35 minutes later)
Flights from Gatwick Airport have been grounded and several inbound aircraft diverted because of a spillage on the runway. Flights from Gatwick Airport were grounded and more than 20 inbound aircraft were diverted because of an oil spill on the runway.
A spokeswoman for the West Sussex airport said the runway was shut at about 10.15 GMT on Monday. A spokeswoman for the West Sussex airport said the runway was shut while crews cleaned up the spillage which happened at about 10:15 GMT on Monday.
"We've got a team out there cleaning up. In the meantime some inbound flights have been diverted. There are some delays to outbound flights." Flights recommenced before midday but passengers were warned to expect delays because of the "knock-on effect".
The airport has not confirmed what caused the spillage. It has not been confirmed what caused the spillage.
A total of 23 flights were diverted before the runway reopened at about 11:40 GMT.
Circling skiesCircling skies
More than 20 flights had been diverted by 11.45 GMT. Other aircraft circled the skies around the airport while the clean-up operation was carried out, according to flight tracking data.
Other aircraft have been circling the skies around the airport, according to flight tracking data. In a tweet, the airport said: "Our runway has now re-opened and flights are arriving and departing.
Gatwick said it was hoped the runway would "reopen shortly". "Flights have now recommenced, however some flights have been diverted. We recommend that you contact your airline for the latest info."
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."
Gatwick is the second largest airport by passenger traffic in the UK.Gatwick is the second largest airport by passenger traffic in the UK.