Why flights were diverted amid chaos at Gatwick airport

Travel
15 Jul 2026 • 11:08 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why flights were diverted amid chaos at Gatwick airport

  • At 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.

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