Overview
- Bristol Airport stopped all flight operations after identifying a runway defect at 6:08pm on Friday, triggering widespread cancellations and diversions to UK airports.
- Engineers inspected and carried out emergency repairs overnight and the runway reopened at about 08:00 BST on Saturday, but normal service has not been restored.
- Dozens of flights remain delayed or cancelled and some inbound aircraft landed far from Bristol, forcing passengers onto long coach or taxi transfers back to the region.
- Stranded travellers reported crowded holding areas, alarms, limited tannoy announcements and poor communication from the airport and some airlines.
- Under UK rules airlines must provide care such as meals and accommodation for long delays, but a runway defect is likely to be treated as an "extraordinary circumstance" that can limit cash compensation claims.