Gatwick Airport flights grounded by runway spillage Published duration 29 February 2016

image caption Inbound and outbound flights were halted after the spillage at about 10:15 GMT on Monday

Flights from Gatwick Airport were grounded and more than 20 inbound aircraft were diverted because of an oil spill on the runway.

A spokeswoman for the West Sussex airport said the runway was shut while crews cleaned up the spillage which happened at about 10:15 GMT on Monday.

Flights recommenced before midday but passengers were warned to expect delays because of the "knock-on effect".

It has not been confirmed what caused the spillage.

A total of 23 flights were diverted before the runway reopened at about 11:40 GMT.

Circling skies

Other aircraft circled the skies around the airport while the clean-up operation was carried out, according to flight tracking data.

In a tweet , the airport said: "Our runway has now re-opened and flights are arriving and departing.

"Flights have now recommenced, however some flights have been diverted. We recommend that you contact your airline for the latest info."