Gatwick’s main runway re-opened last night after being closed for several hours following an inspection.
Eight aircraft were diverted after it was forced to open its alternative runway at around 7.40pm on Sunday.
The closure was a “precautionary measure” after something was discovered on the runway during regular maintenance checks, a spokeswoman said.
Several flights were also delayed as a result of the closure.
The airport tweeted: “Our main runway is now open and operating and we are working hard to get you on your way.
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this evening. Your safety is our number 1 priority.”
Gatwick is a single-runway airport, but has a second ‘back-up’ runway, which is only used when the main runway is unavailable.