Bristol Airport disruption continues as flights resume

Flights have begun operating again at Bristol Airport after a runway defect caused widespread disruption and left hundreds of passengers stranded overnight.

Flights have begun operating again at Bristol Airport after a runway defect caused widespread disruption and left hundreds of passengers stranded overnight.

The airport runway was closed shortly after 6pm BST on Friday, forcing all flights to be suspended until 8am Saturday. Although operations have now restarted, passengers continue to face delays, disrupted schedules and flight diversions.

Airport authorities warned that some disruption would continue throughout Saturday and apologised to passengers affected by the situation. Travellers were advised to contact their respective airlines for information about individual flights.

The airport has not yet provided further details about the nature of the runway defect or explained when normal operations are expected to fully resume.

Passengers described the disruption as chaotic, with several criticising the airport for a lack of clear communication and assistance.

Paul Smith, who was due to travel to Glasgow for his son’s 20th birthday, said he was forced to cancel his trip. He criticised the information and support provided to passengers during the disruption.

Another traveller, Dave Blackwell, said his flight from Rhodes was diverted to Newcastle. He claimed passengers spent several hours at Rhodes Airport without receiving adequate information before being told they would have to travel onward by bus.

Eighteen-year-old Finn Holland was also among those affected after his flight to Bristol was redirected to Bournemouth. He said passengers had to arrange their own transport back to Bristol, describing the process as poorly organised.

The disruption has affected both departing and arriving passengers, with some travellers facing lengthy delays and complicated onward journeys.