Gatwick Airport runway closed after technical issue sparks emergency

A runway closure at London Gatwick halted flights after a “technical issue” involving a departing aircraft. The airport shut the runway for a period during the afternoon, and a London Gatwick spokesperson said teams were working to move the aircraft and resume operations as quickly as possible. Reports on social media described roughly 20 emergency vehicles surrounding the aircraft on the runway. The incident involved Norse Atlantic Airways flight Z0701, en route to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, which had to abort its takeoff roll on runway 26L, according to The Mirror. Incoming flights were affected, with several EasyJet aircraft redirected to alternative airports including Luton and Stansted. Passengers were advised to check flight status with their airlines due to expected knock-on delays.