Gatwick Airport Closes Runway After Emergency Landing

27 July 2009 (Last Updated July 27th, 2009 18:30)

London Gatwick Airport in the UK was forced to close its runway following the emergency landing of an aircraft travelling from Paris to Cardiff. At 12.26pm local time, the FlyBe Dash-8 aircraft was diverted to the airport. Emergency vehicles were available and all 46 passenger

London Gatwick Airport in the UK was forced to close its runway following the emergency landing of an aircraft travelling from Paris to Cardiff.

At 12.26pm local time, the FlyBe Dash-8 aircraft was diverted to the airport.

Emergency vehicles were available and all 46 passengers remained safe. The passengers were evacuated from the aircraft and sent to a reception area for welfare assistance.

Four crew members were also onboard.

A spokeswoman for Flybe said that arrangements were being made to send the passengers on to Cardiff.

A total of 11 flights were redirected from Gatwick airport during the runway closure. Another 15 flights were placed in 'stacking' waiting-to-land positions.

The runway was reopened at 12.58pm.