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Leeds Bradford Airport reopens after plane skids off runway during Storm Babet

Watch: Emergency services surround plane at Leeds Bradford Airport after it skidded off the runway

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has reopened after a "huge team effort" to recover a plane that skidded off a runway during Storm Babet.

The TUI flight from Corfu came off the runway while landing amid heavy rain and wind on Friday afternoon.

Passengers were evacuated and the site was closed to allow for recovery. The airport reopened at 11:30 BST.

LBA warned there would be "continuing disruption" and urged passengers to check with airlines before travelling.

Follow live updates: Storm Babet

"The LBA team and partners have worked tirelessly throughout the night in torrential conditions to recover the aircraft in order to safely reopen the runway and airport," a spokesman said.

"It has been a huge team effort from all corners of the airport and our partners.

"We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in supporting the effort dealing with the incident, disruption and recovery of the aircraft in exceptionally difficult conditions."

PA Media Leeds Bradford Airport planePA Media
The landing gear of the aircraft was heavily entrenched in the ground after skidding off the runway

TUI customers who were due to travel from Leeds Bradford Airport on Saturday morning were directed to Manchester.

The operator said it was assisting the Air Accidents Investigation Branch with its investigation.

Storm Babet continued to affect parts of the UK on Saturday, with high winds, torrential rain and widespread flooding.

PA Media Fire engines surrounding planePA Media
Fire crews have been at the scene to help evacuate passengers

Passengers arriving at Leeds Bradford Airport on Friday evening were faced with departure boards filled with cancelled flights, and queues for taxis and buses in pouring rain.

Customers were also arriving on coaches from other airports, having been diverted.

One group said their flight from Majorca had been diverted to Manchester and they had just arrived at Leeds Bradford on a coach.

"We hoped to be back home and having a cup of tea by 2.30pm," one of the women said.

"But we're still here, drenched, waiting for another bus into town.

"It's not a great end to the week."

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