The M23 was closed in both directions between the M25 and Crawley for around two hours on Saturday evening due to a broken down horsebox.
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service sent a technical rescue unit to free two horses in the horsebox. A vet was also in attendance. Both horses were freed and reunited with their owners after a successful rescue operation.
Some drivers were stuck for around two hours and others missed flights departing from Gatwick; the Fire Service has thanked drivers for allowing crews to carry out their work safely.