Nine flights bound for London Gatwick issued the emergency code 7700, likely due to low fuel, after the runway was closed overnight following a technical issue with an aircraft, according to plane tracking website Flightradar24. The closure disrupted hundreds of passengers, forcing 14 flights to divert to other UK airports before the runway reopened at approximately 1:30am.
Runway shut after BA flight from Palma de Mallorca
The runway was forced to close after a British Airways flight from Palma de Mallorca landed and became surrounded by fire engines, blocking the landing area. Flights from British Airways, TUI, easyJet, and Jet2 were diverted to Stansted, London Heathrow, Luton, and Birmingham as an emergency measure.
Flightradar24 reported that nine flights squawked 7700, a code used for general emergencies, likely due to low fuel after circling near Gatwick for an extended period. A total of 14 flights were ultimately diverted before the airport reopened.
Passenger accounts and airline response
One passenger travelling from Tenerife was diverted to Stansted and posted on social media: “Still on the plane to see what’s happening next !! Hoping we can be flown back to Gatwick soon! It’s been much longer flight from Tenerife than usual.”
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: “Earlier this morning, the runway was closed for a short period due to a technical issue with an aircraft. As a result, a small number of flights were diverted, with the majority later returning to London Gatwick. As always, safety and security is our number one priority.” The airlines have been approached for comment.
