A British Airways flight from Palma de Mallorca prompted a temporary runway closure at Gatwick Airport, after reporting a nose wheel steering issue as it approached the airport.

Flight BA2673 landed shortly after midnight on Wednesday (July 15) after the issue was reported, with fire and rescue crews mobilised as a precaution.

The airport's Northern Runway was closed for 29 minutes while the incident was dealt with, resulting in a small number of inbound flights being diverted to other airports. Most of those flights later returned to Gatwick.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: "Earlier this morning, the runway was closed for a short period due to a technical issue with an aircraft.

placeholder image — The airport's Northern Runway was closed for 29 minutes while the incident was dealt with, resulting in a small number of inbound flights being diverted to other airports. Photo: Hollie Robards

"As a result, a small number of flights were diverted, with the majority later returning to London Gatwick. As always, safety and security is our number one priority."

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said it was called at 11.52pm, on Tuesday (July 14), by Gatwick Fire & Rescue Service ‘amid safety concerns around an aircraft coming in to land at Gatwick Airport’.

A spokesperson added: "Joint Fire Control mobilised four fire engines and an officer to the scene. Fortunately, the aircraft landed with no difficulties and crews were stood down."

Gatwick Airport confirmed the aircraft had reported nose wheel steering issues before landing. Despite the precautionary emergency response, the aircraft landed safely and there were no reported injuries.

Following the incident, Tom Vaughan, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, said: "Landing somewhere completely different to where you booked can be stressful, especially if you're not told why straight away. Diversions can happen for all sorts of reasons, from technical issues to another aircraft blocking the runway.

"If this does happen to you, it's worth knowing your rights if you end up landing far away from home. Our research shows that over 2 in 5 (41 per cent) holidaygoers aren’t aware of their rights when it comes to airline compensation. Your airline has a duty of care if your flight is diverted.

"This means keeping you updated, covering reasonable costs like meals and accommodation if you're delayed overnight, and getting you back to your original destination. Whether you're also entitled to compensation depends on what caused the diversion. If it was down to something within the airline's control you may have a claim, but if it was bad weather or a safety issue, this is treated as outside their control and compensation won't apply.

"Travel insurance wouldn't usually step in here, as these costs are the airline's responsibility rather than something your policy is designed to cover. So it's best to contact your airline first, keep hold of any receipts, and only turn to your insurer if the airline won't help or your costs go beyond what they're liable for."