THE i360 is taking longer to repair than first thought following its closure when passengers were left stranded in its viewing pod on Friday.

The operators of the attraction on the seafront planned to re-open today after a damaged data cable caused passengers to be stuck for more than an hour.

The company had now said the tower would not re-open until Wednesday at the earliest.

The attraction has broken down several times since it opened in August.

Passengers reported having to use a temporary toilet in a tent erected in the pod during the latest breakdown.

A British Airways i360 spokeswoman said: “British Airways i360 will be closed on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 February while work is carried out to replace a damaged data ribbon.

“Specialist parts will be arriving on site on Monday. Following a period of testing we hope to re-open on Wednesday 1 March but will confirm this early next week.

“We are contacting all customers who have booked tickets for Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 February and offering them alternative flights or refunds. We would like to thank our customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”  

The i360 opened in the summer of last year and after a set of early breakdowns it has enjoyed a sustained period in operation until Friday’s problem.