Brits face travel chaos as Edinburgh Airport closed with planes forced to divert

21 August 2023 , 07:33

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Edinburgh Airport had to undertake emergency runway repairs today (Image: Edinburgh Airport Limited)

Edinburgh Airport was temporarily shut for a short time this morning, with planes forced to hold or divert elsewhere, sparking travel chaos as emergency runway repairs were completed.

Holidaymakers hoping to escape the UK for some time abroad saw their plans temporarily put on hold. It was due to emergency runway repairs which were underway earlier this morning and Brits caught in the airport took to social media.

Michael Bull was stuck on a plane, waiting to take off, only to be told it will be held for at least half an hour. Another plane which was ten minutes out from Edinburgh Airport was suddenly diverted before landing, another person said.

Photos from Edinburgh Airport show the runway repairs ongoing. Planes were seemingly being diverted to Newcastle and Glasgow.

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The chaos began shortly after 8am this morning, with flights being delayed, held on the runway, or landed elsewhere. Meanwhile, workers seemingly rushed out to the runway to start emergency repairs, which were initially reported completed shortly before 9am.

On flight tracking apps, planes approaching Edinburgh Airport can be seen having been forced to circle above their airport or delay their flights before eventually being able to land. A spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport said: "Arrivals and departures were suspended for a short period while our teams carried out emergency repairs on our airfield. This has since been completed and all operations have resumed. Safety is our priority and we thank passengers for their patience."

Kieren Williams