A runway defect at Bristol Airport has caused travel chaos as flights are cancelled or diverted hundreds of miles away.

Hundreds of passengers were stranded on Friday night as the airport was forced to close - with dozens of people waiting in crowds at their departure gates.

Although flights did resume at 8am this morning, the airport warned that disruption would continue throughout Saturday.

Many holidaymakers were left with long and expensive journeys home after their planes were diverted to different airports across the country.

Dave Blackwell, who was travelling from Rhodes, found himself 246 miles away from Bristol after his plane landed in Newcastle.

'We were in Rhodes Airport for three hours with no information. Now we have all been told our flight is going to Newcastle and then a five or six-hour bus ride - why Newcastle? How appalling,' he told BBC News.

Other flights were diverted to Bournemouth, Birmingham and Cardiff.

Last night, passengers reported that there was little communication from the airport with no announcements on the tannoy system for over an hour.

EasyJet were said to be the only representatives in the departure lounge, which warned people travelling to and from the airport to expect significant disruptions.

Furious passengers stuck in the chaos complained of being left stranded in the airport and 'appalling communication'.

One wrote on X: 'EasyJet holding everyone hostage at Bristol Airport! Let us out! Let us out! Communication is appalling.'

A second added: 'It’s disgusting. They’ve locked me in the gate 26 toilets. All I did was ask them why it was cancelled.'

A third wrote: 'Bristol Airport, what’s happening tonight? We are stuck in the airport with no clear guidance for 3 hours. Any information would be appreciated.'

One concerned parent said: 'EasyJet I am livid!!!! Your flight from Dubrovnik to Bristol tonight has been cancelled and there are no staff there to assist.

'My daughter has been told to go on your website and book another flight to Gatwick!! No mention of hotel! Pathetic!! Please dm me now!'

Meanwhile, another enraged passenger said their flight had been diverted hours away from Bristol to Newcastle.

In a statement, Bristol Airport said: 'Flights resumed at 8am today after we temporarily suspended operations yesterday. There's some disruption to flights today. 

'Customers should contact their airline with flight queries. We're very sorry for any inconvenience caused while essential runway repairs were carried out.'