Bristol Airport flights disrupted for 14 hours due to runway closure

Bristol Airport passengers faced extensive disruption as flights were abruptly suspended on Friday night for “essential” runway repairs.

The 14-hour overnight runway closure from 6pm on Friday resulted in departing services being cancelled and inbound flight diversions.

Almost 50 flights were due to arrive while the runway was closed along with 14 departures, according to local reports.   

Some aircraft were forced to divert to other airports including Cardiff, Birmingham, Gatwick, Southend and Newcastle.

The disruption spilled over into Saturday, with the backlog causing long delays for departing travellers.

Pictures of chaotic scenes in the terminal were posted by passengers on social media.

An airport statement confirmed that flights resumed at 8am on Saturday “after we temporarily suspended operations” on Friday.

“Some disruption to flights” continued on Saturday and passengers were advised to contact their airline with flight queries.

“We’re very sorry for any inconvenience caused while essential runway repairs were carried out,” the airport said.

Airlines affected by the disruption included easyJet, Jet2, Tui, Ryanair and Aer Lingus.

Further details of what the airport described as a “defect on the runway” were not disclosed.