Several flights diverted after plane blocks Gatwick runway

A number of flights were diverted from Gatwick airport after a plane temporarily blocked one of its runways.

Emergency services met the British Airways plane as a precaution upon landing, following reports of a "technical fault" with the aircraft.

One of the diverted planes, an already-delayed EasyJet flight from Rome to Gatwick, had to land at Stanstead airport instead - and subsequently became stuck there because it was unable to find fuel.

Passengers were left on that plane for over two hours in the middle of the night before disembarking.

The BA plane which temporarily blocked the runway at Gatwick Airport reportedly experienced a landing gear issue. BA said the plane landed safely and passengers disembarked normally.

A London Gatwick 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."

There were a number of delays to arrivals and departures from Gatwick Airport on Wednesday, although it was not clear if these were connected to the earlier runway closure.