Gatwick Airport descended into chaos in the early hours of Wednesday, 15 July, as a temporary runway closure sparked panic among travellers, with at least nine inbound flights issuing urgent distress signals. The sudden shutdown, which saw emergency services scramble to assist a British Airways flight from Palma de Mallorca, forced dozens of planes to issue 'Squawk 7700' codes – a warning indication that immediate assistance is required.
The affected flights were likely running critically low on fuel after being diverted or forced into holding patterns while the runway was closed. Many eventually made it back to Gatwick once operations resumed, but not before causing significant disruption and delays for hundreds of passengers returning from popular holiday destinations like Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Rome.
EasyJet confirmed that its diverted flights were able to return to Gatwick once the airport was up and running again, with no further issues arising. Meanwhile, British Airways stated that their plane landed safely and passengers disembarked normally despite a reported technical fault.
The brief but critical closure serves as a stark reminder of the delicate operational balance at major airports like Gatwick. Even short-term disruptions can have far-reaching consequences for travellers, highlighting the importance of comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected flight delays and diversions – including expenses for overnight stays or alternative transport arrangements.