Leeds Bradford airport dramatically stops flights for 'emergency runway repairs'

Ben Hurst

5 July 2024 at 11:02 am·2-min read

Leeds Bradford airport was this afternoon shut down as workers frantically tried to repair a damaged runway — -Credit: (Image: Getty Images)

A UK airport has suddenly closed its only runway - leaving passengers fuming and stranded ‘with no information’. Leeds Bradford Airport said this afternoon that emergency runway repairs were taking place meaning no flights can operate until 7pm at the earliest.

Passengers took to X to complain of ‘no communication’ and no holiday firm reps to be seen. The airport said on X: “The runway is currently closed due to emergency runway repairs. We expect to open no earlier than 19:00hrs today. Please contact your airline for further travel advice. “

Flight disruptions may continue through the evening and residual disruptions are possible even after the runway repairs are completed as airlines work to clear passenger backlogs. Angry travellers took to X, with Jamie saying: “Typical when I fly LeedsBradfordAirport.” Dan said: “Yet no communication of any info within the departures area.”

Jamie added: “Leeds Bradford airport runway shut nothing in or out. Not a single @TUIUK rep to be seen!!!!!” Nicola said: ”Poor Jet2 staff at Leeds Bradford have no idea what’s going on. Airport’s own website says airport closed until 7pm but the staff in the departure lounge haven’t been told a thing. @jet2tweets don’t throw them to the wolves.”

George Lionel said: “We’re waiting for our bags at the carousel. Has someone forgotten about them.” In response to the complaints the airport said: “Please contact your airline for travel advice. Our teams are working tirelessly to make repairs and return to normal operations.”

In a statement operator Jet2 said: “We have been made aware of a runway closure affecting Leeds Bradford Airport, this is due to emergency repairs that are urgently required. This is an unscheduled change, so we’re doing everything we can to minimise any disruption.

“Inbound flights that have been diverted to another of our UK airports, to complete your journey, we’re in the process of arranging coach transfers to Leeds Bradford Airport. Due to this being unscheduled, there may be a short delay in sourcing transport however, if you need more information, our team of Customer Helpers are happy to help.

“For flights departing Leeds Bradford this afternoon, we will provide further updates here soon. Please ensure your details are up to date in Manage My Booking as we will also be in touch via SMS and email to affected customers. We would like to apologise for the inconvenience, that is unfortunately outside of our control.”

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