Runway lighting issue causes disruption at Heathrow
Passengers are being told to check the status of their flights with their airlines before travelling to Heathrow after an earlier problem with lighting on the runways disrupted this morning’s services.
The airport said the technical issue had been resolved by just after 6am, but it said there could be some knock-on delays.
More than a dozen flights due to land at Heathrow this morning were delayed, with some disruption continuing beyond midday. Departing flights were less affected, with only a small number delayed or cancelled.
A statement posted on Heathrow’s website said the lighting issue had affected early morning flights but that both runways were now open and operational.
"Whilst we’re continuing to monitor the situation, please check your flight status with your airline before travelling. We apologise for any disruption to your journey," it said.
A Heathrow spokesman added: "Our engineering teams are investigating a technical issue with the lighting system for the airport’s runways."
A spokeswoman for British Airways said: "There was an issue with Heathrow Airport’s airfield lighting during the night.~Contingency plans were quickly activated and we plan to operate our full schedule today, albeit with some delays.
"We’re asking customers that are due to travel with us today to continue to monitor ba.com for any updates to their flight."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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