Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAt least nine flights destined for Gatwick Airport issued Squawk 7700 emergency codes in the early hours of Wednesday, 15 July, after the runway was temporarily closed. The runway closure was prompted by a British Airways flight from Palma de Mallorca landing with a reported technical fault, necessitating precautionary attendance by firefighting services. Air traffic data site FlightRadar24 suggested that the aircraft likely emitted the emergency codes due to critically low fuel levels, having been forced to conduct go-arounds. The incident led to widespread disruption, with some flights diverting to other major airports including Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Birmingham and Bristol. Gatwick Airport confirmed the brief closure due to the aircraft's technical issue, stating that most diverted flights were able to return to Gatwick once the runway reopened. In fullGatwick airport chaos as nine flights emit emergency signals after runway blockedMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Why flights were diverted amid chaos at Gatwick airport
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAt least nine flights destined for Gatwick Airport issued Squawk 7700 emergency codes in the early hours of Wednesday, 15 July, after the runway was temporarily closed. The runway closure was prompted by a British Airways flight from Palma de Mallorca landing with a reported technical fault, necessitating precautionary attendance by firefighting services. Air traffic data site FlightRadar24 suggested that the aircraft likely emitted the emergency codes due to critically low fuel levels, having been forced to conduct go-arounds. The incident led to widespread disruption, with some flights diverting to other major airports including Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Birmingham and Bristol. Gatwick Airport confirmed the brief closure due to the aircraft's technical issue, stating that most diverted flights were able to return to Gatwick once the runway reopened. In fullGatwick airport chaos as nine flights emit emergency signals after runway blockedMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
