Runways reopen after fuel leak at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Departing flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport experienced hours-long delays Tuesday after a fuel leak forced the emergency closure of two of the airport's three operating runways.

WCNC Charlotte reports a runway was closed after a departing flight leaked fuel that had to be cleaned up.

Once in the air, the plane declared an emergency and returned to the airport, where it landed safely on another runway. The continuing fuel leak also forced the closure of this runway.

The airport wasoperating all arrivals and departures using the single remaining runway until they reopened before noon.

The FAA issued a ground stop that prevents additional flights destinated for Charlotte from departing from their original airport. This act helps limit and pace congestion in Charlotte.