Bumpy runway at London City Airport causes chaos
Thousands of air passengers endured travel chaos after a busy city airport had to close while repairs were made to an uneven runway.
The problem prevented London City Airport (LCY) opening on time for the first flights at around 6.30am and unable to start operations until about 11.15am. WORDS: PA.
As passengers filled the terminal at the Docklands airport, around 50 flights were cancelled and incoming services were diverted to other airports including Stansted and Southend in Essex.
Most flights to and from London City Airport are cancelled due to "emergency runway maintenance" pic.twitter.com/wRJsLGoXUq
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) May 19, 2015
LCY described the problem as a runway "surface irregularity", with the airport's bosses now looking into whether the unevenness was missed during the regular 10.30pm inspection last night.
Passengers on Twitter described the problem as "a hole in the runway". But an LCY spokesman said: "It was not a hole, it was not some great gaping chasm. It was a surface irregularity - an uneveness that needed smoothing out."
The problem was spotted in the normal 6am inspection today and no flights were able to arrive or depart.
While repairs were being made, Keith Gill tweeted: "London City. It's a complete nightmare. No communication/updates."
Flights have now resumed, however flights are subject to delays & cancellations, passengers are advised to check with airlines before travel
— London City Airport (@LondonCityAir) May 19, 2015
Andy Richardson wrote: "Chaos at London City this morning causing us problems flying in from Scotland."
Amid a grim situation for passengers, some saw the funny side of things.
Brid Cannon tweeted: "So, nocturnal alien landings leave their mark on runway at London City. Repair crews cleaning up after the 'visit'."
The LCY spokesman said: " We are open again but there will be delays and we urge passengers to contact their airline.
"We hope to be back to normal around 4.30pm today."
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