Gatwick Airport disruption after plane makes emergency landing

FLIGHTS at Gatwick Airport were suspended today after a plane was forced to make an emergency landing.

That came after reports of a small fire on the plane.

Flights at the airport resumed at 2pm this afternoon, a spokesman said.

The Airbus A330 destined for Florida returned to the airport earlier as a precaution.

Fire crews were called at 12.21pm to reports of a “small fire on board an aircraft.”

The plane made a safe landing with emergency services on stand-by, and passengers were disembarked, a Gatwick Airport spokeswoman said.

She said: “A Virgin A330 left Gatwick at 10.48am bound for Orlando but returned to make an emergency landing at 12.30 due to reports of a technical issue.

“The aircraft made a safe landing, the emergency services are on the scene and passengers have been safely disembarked from the plane. All flights in and out of Gatwick are currently suspended until further notice.”

She said passengers involved were being looked after in a specially set-up reception area at the airport.

Virgin Atlantic said: “Due to a technical problem on board the aircraft, the captain decided as a precautionary measure to immediately evacuate the aircraft.

“Our teams at Gatwick are now looking after our passengers and assisting with their immediate requirements.

“The safety and welfare of our crew and passengers is Virgin Atlantic’s top priority.”

The airline said the Airbus A330-300 aircraft had 13 crew and 299 passengers on board.