Bristol Airport flights cancelled and diverted as major runway update issued

Flights have resumed at Bristol Airport after all operations were suspended on Friday evening due to a runway defect, causing major disruption to passengers with flights cancelled or diverted

Abigail Hunt Content Editor

08:59, 08 Aug 2026

Chaos unfolded at the airport(Image: Paul Smith CIHCM/X)

Flights have recommenced at Bristol Airport following a tumultuous Friday night and Saturday morning that left passengers stranded and rerouted as operations came to a standstill.

The airport put a halt to all flights on Friday evening due to a defect on the runway. All flights were suspended until 8am on Saturday, causing significant disruption for passengers.

The airport stated early on Saturday morning: "Due to a defect on the runway, we have temporarily suspended operations as a precaution, in order to inspect and repair the section affected. We apologise for any inconvenience. Safety is always our number one priority."

[The airport put a halt to all flights on Friday evening]

The airport put a halt to all flights on Friday evening(Image: BRISTOLLIVE/PAUL SMITH)

In an updated statement issued at 8am on Saturday, the airport said: We're very sorry to customers affected and any impact this has had on their summer holiday. We continue to work closely with all airlines affected.

"The safety of passengers and staff is of paramount importance, which is why we made the decision to temporarily suspend flights as a precaution and to allow for the runway repair to be carried out."

The runway was shut just after 6pm on Friday night with flights being cancelled or diverted to other airports.

[Operations have now resumed as of Saturday morning]

Operations have now resumed as of Saturday morning(Image: Paul Smith CIHCM/X)

The defect which led to the runway closure has been fixed overnight, the airport has confirmed.

Flights affected were either cancelled or rerouted to other airports, including Cardiff Airport. Some disruption to flights is expected on Saturday and customers are advised to refer to their airlines with any flight queries.

An 8am announcement stated: "Flights have resumed at Bristol Airport this morning.

"There will be some disruption to some flights today and customers are advised to refer to their airlines with any flight queries.

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"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

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