Leeds Bradford Airport closes overnight for runway issue, reopens

Leeds Bradford Airport closed overnight on Friday after an unforeseen problem with its main runway forced the suspension of takeoffs and landings, the airport said, reopening on Saturday morning after repairs were completed. The airport announced the closure shortly after 9pm on October 24 and advised passengers to check with their airlines for up-to-date information.

The airport said in an initial statement on its website that it had "had to take the decision to close the airport until the morning" and that staff were working to resolve the disruption "as soon as possible." Airport personnel remained on the ground in the terminal to assist customers. An update posted early on Saturday said work had finished and the runway was expected to reopen at 6am, and a subsequent message confirmed the runway was open and flights were operating, though some delays could occur.

The overnight shutdown led to cancellations and diversions. According to the airport website, 14 scheduled arrivals late on Friday and early on Saturday were redirected to other UK airports including Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool, Stansted, Humberside and East Midlands. One departure listed for early...