In an interview with BBC Points West, reporter Pam Caulfield asked the airport's business development director why the runway was still shut after several hours.

He said:

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says the delays at Bristol Airport on Friday would almost certainly fall into the category of "exceptional circumstances".

This means circumstances outside the control of the airlines so passengers won't be able to claim compensation for the delays or cancellations.

But the CAA spokesman added there was a duty on the airlines to provide reasonable "care and assistance" to passengers unable to travel.

This could include phone calls, meals, food and drink, or overnight accommodation.

Due to the runway being shut at Bristol Airport, Ryanair said its Bristol to Alicante flight had been cancelled.

A replacement flight will operate tomorrow.

"All affected customers have been notified by SMS email and text message," said a spokesperson.

"We apologise to all affected customers for any inconvenience caused by this runway closure, which is entirely beyond our control."

It follows the suspension of flights after a plane came off the runway after landing.

According to the airport's arrival and departure boards

• 28 departures have been cancelled
• 20 inbound flights have been diverted
• 25 inbound flights have been cancelled

There are further flights without info as yet so these numbers are likely to change

Andrew Segal
At Bristol Airport

Hundreds of airline passengers stranded at Bristol Airport are contemplating how to make their onward journeys.

Some are looking at alternative airlines but facing additional outlays of hundreds of pounds before they are reimbursed by airlines.

Others are looking at alternatives means of transport altogether, such as trains or ferries.

Frustration is palpable at the airlines' information desks as staff try their best to get people moving again.

But with staff saying that flights to some of the affected destinations are full until Boxing Day at the earliest, many are now facing the decision of whether they give up Xmas trips completely.

The latest update from Bristol Airport says:

• The recovery team is now on site
• Specialist equipment is required to remove the aircraft
• The runway remains closed
• Additional staff are on hand in the terminal to assist passengers

A spokesperson also said they were sorry for the disruption and flight cancellations experienced and "fully appreciate it is frustrating for passengers".

Long queues of people have formed at Bristol Airport as passengers who are due to fly await more information.

It follows the suspension of flights after a plane came off the runway after landing earlier.

The hospital has told unions 360 staff would be moved to a private firm owned by the hospital.

Flight operator BMI has released the following statement after one of its flghts, BM1822 from Frankfurt to Bristol, had an "incident" at Bristol Airport.

All 25 people on-board the Embraer 145 jet disembarked safely and no injuries were reported.

• At 11:36 GMT an Embraer 145 aircraft inbound from Frankfurt (flight number BM1822) left the runway while taxiing
• None of the 25 people on board were hurt

• Passengers on board the plane were returned to the terminal by coach
• The runway is closed and the Air Accident Investigation Branch has sent a team to investigate
• Bristol Airport says 19 departures have so far been cancelled and 21 arrivals cancelled or diverted
• All passengers are advised to contact their airlines for further information

After a plane came off the runway after landing at Bristol Airport, hundreds of passengers have had travel plans disrupted.

BBC reporter Andrew Segal, who is at the airport, says passengers and staff are waiting for more information about when things may get back to normal.

Bristol Airport says 19 departures have so far been cancelled and 21 arrivals cancelled or diverted, following this morning's incident.

Meanwhile EasyJet has told passengers to "arrange an alternative form of transport where possible" and they will reimburse the cost.

An airport spokesman said: "We thank passengers for their patience while we continue to work to resume operations as soon as possible.

"In the meantime, all passengers are advised to contact their airline to obtain the latest flight information.

"Additional staff are on hand in the terminal to assist passengers."

Andrew Segal
At Bristol Airport

There's only three EasyJet staff in the departure lounge trying to help passengers of at least half a dozen cancelled flights.

Those staff are saying "we haven't been told anything".

Passengers on BMI flights to Hamburg, Frankfurt and Paris have been told to reclaim their bags.

Also, EasyJet passengers on flights to Newcastle, Inverness, Prague, Belfast and Geneva have been told to collect their bags and make flight arrangements "from home".

EasyJet passengers to Ireland are looking at other airlines, but facing fares of hundreds of pounds.

It's expected flights will not be leaving Bristol Airport before 18:00 GMT following an "incident".

A British Midland flight, the airport confirmed, "left the runway" after landing at 11:30 GMT.

Efforts are being made to remove the plane from where it is currently, and tow it to hard standing.

All 25 passengers on the flight were unharmed.

Andrew Segal
At Bristol Airport

Passengers were told at 12:30 GMT that all flights inbound and outbound were suspended due to "an incident", although they were not told initially what.

Rumours soon started about a plane coming off a runway which was later confirmed by airport staff, who said no-one was hurt.

People are staying calm in the terminal, although those who have had flights cancelled at this busy time are now trying to decide if they try and get alternative flights out today or tomorrow, or give up their plans for the festive trips onwards.