NewsUK NewsGatwick AirportThe flight has arrived safely at Gatwick after performing a U-turn over the Channel and returned to its origin airport due to a 'technical issue'06:59, 22 Jul 2026Updated 07:31, 22 Jul 2026A flight from London Gatwick to Ibiza turned around just moments after take-off for a ‘general emergency’ this morning.‌Wednesday’s (July 22) 5:35am easyJet flight to the Spanish island on Wednesday morning has returned and landed safely back at London Gatwick, according to Flight Radar 24.‌It’s thought the plane transmitted a ‘general emergency’ code ahead of returning to its original airport. Eyewitnesses have said on social media that 'lots of fire trucks' are in attendance at the airport.‌“EasyJet Flight EZY52LD turns back toward London Gatwick Airport in UK after transmitting code 7700, indicating general emergency, shortly after takeoff,” Flight Radar 24 said.A spokesperson for easyJet said the plane, an Airbus A320-214, suffered a 'technical issue'. A statement from the company explained: “Flight EZY8099 from London Gatwick to Ibiza this morning diverted back to London Gatwick where it requested a priority landing due to a technical issue.‌"The captain performed a routine landing in line with procedures, and the aircraft was met by emergency services at London Gatwick as a precaution only. The safety of our customers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines."Data from the tracking software shows the aircraft took off from the airport in West Sussex, flew south towards mainland Europe, and then performed a U-turn over the Channel, before making it back to Britain's second-busiest airport.The EZY52LD operates on a daily basis during the summer from Gatwick to Ibiza, and has been operating on schedule and as normal for the last week, data shows.‌The budget airline recently announced a new Spanish route from Gatwick. Flights have started to Reus, the Catalan birthplace of the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, known for designing Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Família.Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK Country Manager, said: “The addition of these popular Spanish destinations, Reus and Ibiza, to our networks and Holidays Portfolio from London Gatwick and London Southend provides our customers with even more choice and great value when booking their European holidays next summer."As the UK’s largest airline, we’re always aiming to make travel easy, providing great value to Europe’s most loved destinations, and we can’t wait to welcome more customers on board.”Article continues belowGatwick Airport has been contacted for comment.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌EasyJetGatwick Airport