Heathrow airport has apologised to passengers after a technical fault meant it could only use one runway for a time on Saturday, causing disruption to flights.

A British Airways flight was two hours into its journey from London to Chicago when it was diverted for "technical reasons".

The plane was met by fire engines and the experience described as "quite scary" by one passenger.

Ben de Pear said the captain explained to passengers the plane landed on three sets of wheels instead of five.

Despite his fear he said the landing was smooth, but added that the plane had become stuck on the runway.

He tweeted: " Just landed back in #Heathrow after #BA 295 to #Chicago diverted back after 2 hours 4 'technical reasons' on runway met by fire engines."

Heathrow airport tweeted: "Due to a technical issue with an aircraft that needed resolving on the runway, Heathrow operated with only one runway for a short time.

"We're sorry that this has caused some disruption to flights. Passengers should check with their airline before travelling to the airport."

Muriel Gray, whose husband was on the flight, thanked the pilot for making a safe landing.

She tweeted: " The hugest kisses and hugs to the @British_Airways pilot who just landed the plane my husband was on when the landing gear failed."

British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) chairman, Captain Brendan O'Neal thanked the pilots of BA295.

"These pilots put their years of training and experience in to practice to keep their aircraft and passengers safe. They did a very professional job in difficult circumstances," he said.

"Pilots across the UK and across all airlines know that although incidents like this are rare, they could happen to any of us at any time, and we have huge respect for the crews who fly with such skill and professionalism when it is needed.

"On behalf of the British Airline Pilots Association, I want to acknowledge the crew for keeping the passengers on this flight safe.

"We hope and are confident that the cause of the landing gear failure will be identified quickly and resolved."