Air travellers have been warned that a “technical issue” affecting lighting at Heathrow could affect their journeys.

Britain’s largest airport said there was a problem with the lighting on the runways early on Wednesday morning.

Heathrow said the problem had been resolved by 6.05am, but that customers should check their flight status with their airline before travelling. The lighting issue left some London-bound passengers stranded on the tarmac in the US, where British Airways provided snacks and drinks.

“On the ground in Atlanta due to Heathrow light failure. The bar is open and I’m not working tomorrow so not that fussed,” passenger Davey Hunt tweeted.

Other passengers were less patient as they waited for updates from BA staff. “We are on BA116 and ground staff at JFK airport not opening the door so we can talk to someone. Pilot growing impatient as are passengers,” Shaan Khan also wrote on Twitter.

A statement posted on Heathrow’s website said the lighting issue had affected early morning flights but that both runways were 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.”

A Heathrow spokesman said: “Our engineering teams are investigating a technical issue with the lighting system for the airport’s runways.”

Nearly one in seven flights due to land at Heathrow between 6am and 8.59am were delayed, affecting 16 flights, according to aviation data firm FlightStats. Out of 22 scheduled departures between 6am and 6.59am there was one cancellation and two flights delayed.

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.”