A number of flights due to arrive at Newcastle Airport were cancelled or diverted and delayed last night (April 11) after a ‘defect’ on the runway forced it to close.

The issues began shortly after 8pm yesterday, when a Ryanair arrival from Krakow was seen holding and then subsequently diverted to Edinburgh.

The diversions saw passengers due to travel being escorted out of the terminal.

The Northern Echo:

Further arrivals throughout the evening were diverted to other Airports such as Edinburgh, Manchester, and Teesside.

The flights diverted included the Ryanair arrival from Krakow, a TUI flight coming from Tenerife, Loganair flights from Southampton and Aberdeen as well as a TUI flight from Paphos.

North East passengers took to social media with questions for the Airport, expressing their confusion surrounding the delays.

One traveller waiting at departure gates, said: "Flights cancelled but no announcements and a single policeman that doesn't know what's happening. No sign of airport staff."

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The runway has since reopened, however because of the diversions earlier in the evening, several flights were also affected by delays, as three departures to Krakow, London Heathrow and Bristol were all impacted by the closure.

A spokesperson from Newcastle Airport said: “Our runway was closed for a short period this evening while a defect was inspected.

“This is now complete and the runway has been reopened. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to passengers.”