Holiday jet forced to land

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Airport fire crews were put on standby as the plane landed back at the airport in West Sussex at around 11am, an hour after take-off.

A Gatwick Airport spokesman said: "A 747 carrier operated by Virgin Atlantic did make a precautionary landing after the pilot reported a technical problem."

He said the aircraft's passengers had returned to the departure lounge in the south terminal.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said the pilot had returned to Gatwick around an hour after take-off as a "precautionary measure".

He said: "They are checking the plane now.

"It was a precautionary measure by the pilot - they take safety as a priority.

The spokesman said around 320 passengers were on board the Boeing 747.

"The passengers will either continue their journey on that plane or they will be put on other flights," he added.

A spokeswoman for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said they had been notified but were not investigating the incident.