Flights out of London's Heathrow Airport were disrupted on Wednesday after a runway had to be closed when a British Airways Boeing 747 airliner got stuck on a grass verge as it taxied to a stand.
The northern runway, normally handling more than 600 flights a day, was shut as a security measure following the incident involving the aircraft which arrived from Boston in the United States at 7:40 PM (1940 GMT).
A spokeswoman said significant delays were expected.
"Despite concerted efforts throughout the night by airport staff to remove the BA aircraft the plane remains lodged on a grass area adjacent to the northern runway.
"As a safety precaution the northern runway remains closed and departures and landings are taking place on the southern runway."
She said staff had been working in gale force winds and rain to try to move the plane.
Emergency services disembarked the 130 passengers from Boston -- LONDON (AFP)
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