
Travel chaos as TWO flights have mid-air emergencies within A MINUTE at major UK airport
A British Airways Boeing 777-200 declared a dramatic "full emergency" due to "toxic fumes" in the cabin and was forced to land at 3.29pm.
3
3
Meanwhile an easyJet flight landed at Gatwick airport at 3.30pm after declaring a "pan pan" alert following a bird strike.
British Airways flight BA2203 bound for Cancun had to circle London for 45 minutes while it dumped fuel before it was safe to return to the West Sussex hub.
Oxygen masks were deployed and the pilots were even forced to open the windows in the cockpit to let in fresh air.
Passengers among the 340 flyers and crew onboard reported a 'smell of used socks' which left them 'dizzy'.
Emergency services lined the runway as the plane landed at 3.29pm - almost an hour after the 2.11pm take-off.
The Gatwick runway and BA aircraft both needed close inspection after the unscheduled touchdown.
The Sun understands staff and passengers required medical attention on landing due to exposure to the mystery fumes.
BA's flight to Mexico was postponed for 24 hours, with passengers forced to stay in local airport hotels.
Tuesday's chaos meant the Gatwick to Cancun service did not operate until today.
BA told The Sun: 'The aircraft landed safely at Gatwick after our pilots identified a technical issue. Customers disembarked normally and we've apologised for the disruption to their travel plans.'
At the same time easyJet Flight EZY8520 declared a "pan pan" drama caused by a suspected bird strike en route from Madeira in sun-kissed Portugal.
The alarmed pilots requested a "continuous descent into Gatwick airport" and "sterile runway'" for the twin-jet Airbus A320 with around 190 crew and passengers onboard.
After landing at 3.30pm on Tuesday, officials had to inspect the runway before it was allowed to re-open.
EasyJet told The Sun: "Flight EZY8520 from Funchal to London Gatwick on 15 July requested a priority landing into London Gatwick.
"The aircraft landed normally was met by emergency services in line with procedures, purely as a precaution.
'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.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Independent
7 minutes ago
- The Independent
Connection times to be cut ‘by more than half' via new security rules for London-US flights
Travellers on connecting flights from London to the US will soon be able to avoid rechecking hold luggage and skip standard airport customs. Starting this month, US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pilot programme One Stop Security (OSS) plans to streamline terminal security steps to speed up connections for air passengers. Some American Airlines passengers flying from London Heathrow airport with connecting journeys through Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) will now be able to clear US Customs at the arrival gate. From here, customers can directly board their connecting flight without reclaiming and rechecking hold luggage or clearing TSA security. Typically, travellers must clear customs, claim checked bags, recheck bags and then again go through security. With OSS, checked bags are automatically transferred to the connecting flight. The pilot system is a partnership of the TSA, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the UK Department for Transport (DfT). According to American Airlines, the new process is expected to cut airport connection times by 'more than half'. American is the first US airline to pilot the scheme on select routes at DFW. Some Delta passengers are also trialling OSS on routes from Heathrow to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Travellers with Delta will be processed in a dedicated customs area and will not have to claim and recheck their bags. However, only those who are registered in Global Entry, a 'trusted traveller programme', or have the Mobile Passport Control app, will be able to bypass TSA screening, reported the NY Times. To apply for Global Entry, British passengers are required to apply for a background check by the UK government (£42), then the US government (£90). Upon passing, passengers are subject to an in-person interview. Once completed, Global Entry is valid for five years. The introduction of the security system in the US follows a successful pilot in February for travellers connecting to international destinations from London Heathrow. David Seymour, COO at American Airlines, said: 'One Stop Security is one of the most forward-thinking enhancements we can bring to international travel — and importantly, to our customers — as it delivers a level of convenience and time-savings that's never been available before to customers connecting from international flights. 'Customers will spend significantly less time worrying about an onerous connection process and more time enjoying their travel journey.' TSA deputy administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News Digital that OSS could be expanded to other airports in the next month. He said: 'It really is a common sense security approach for us to streamline security from abroad to the United States.'


BBC News
7 minutes ago
- BBC News
Frequent flyer claims he was misled by Bristol Airport parking 'scam'
A frequent flyer at Bristol Airport said reward code users seeking a discount on parking were being "deliberately misled".Hamish Douglas, from Clevedon in North Somerset, spotted an issue with the airport's Silver Zone rewards scheme while booking parking for five days on 20 his discount code, Mr Douglas was quoted £95.20 for five days of flexible parking. A non-flexible booking with no discount was £60, but he was not shown this cheaper option when attempting to book with a code.A spokesperson for Bristol Airport apologised for the inconvenience and said the error had been fixed as of Thursday. The public can sign up for the free Silver Zone rewards scheme through the airport's Douglas became a member a year ago, as he flew with his wife to see family in Northern Ireland approximately once a said: "It's a 15% discount on airport parking - you're not going to say no."Since that point a year ago, I have booked Silver Zone parking - which I've done about three times - putting in the rewards code and it would take you through to the next stage [of the booking]."Mr Douglas said he forgot to use the code for his most recent trip and his wife found a non-flexible booking without a code was £35.20 said: "What we found out is, when you put in the reward code, it doesn't show you the more affordable, cheaper option."Mr Douglas added: "I've always said parking at Bristol Airport is a scam, and it turns out it is." A spokesperson for the airport said: "The issue on our website has now been fixed and the Rewards promotional code can be applied to this product. "We would like to thank the customer for highlighting this issue and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused."We offer a range of car parking options, which customers can unlock discounts for, as well as Fast Track security, by signing up on our website for Rewards emails. "In addition they will also receive the latest offers from airlines." 'Rules are clear' When asked how long the issue has been going on for and whether those affected by the error will receive compensation, an airport spokesman said: "The 'Silver Zone Non-Flex' pricing category is a new product for our customers. "As explained, this product and lower pricing category does come with some restrictions when it comes to cancelling or amending a booking."We do offer regular promotional offers throughout the year. Any customers experiencing problems applying promotional codes should contact us directly."A spokesperson for the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the "advertising rules are clear".They said: "Ads must not materially mislead people, or be likely to do so. In particular, price statements shouldn't mislead by omission, undue emphasis or distortion."Whilst the ASA can't comment on whether or not an ad has broken the rules without a formal investigation, we always encourage anyone who has a concern about an ad they've seen to get in touch."


Daily Mail
7 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Major UK airport's scheme to skip the queues this summer - but there's a catch
Travellers hoping to skip the long queues at security this summer may be in luck. Holidaymakers jetting off from Manchester Airport can pre-book a spot to quickly speed through security. The service, called TimeSlot, can be used by passengers flying from Terminal 2 and 3. It allows tourists to select what time they will be heading through security and 'enjoy a smoother, quicker route'. Travellers can book up to 14 days in advance and will receive a QR code after booking. The code must be presented to a security ambassador at the airport, with a boarding pass. The service is available to use at Terminal 3 from 4am to 6pm. While those departing from Terminal 2 can book between 3.30am to 7.30am, and 11.30am to 3pm from July 22. TimeSlot is priced up to £4.99, with some bookings free. Manchester Airport's website reads: 'Speed through security by pre-booking your slot with TimeSlot, our easy-to-use service available in Terminals 2 and 3. 'Choose a time that fits your travel schedule and enjoy a smoother, quicker route through security. 'With limited slots available, TimeSlot helps to keep you moving through security, giving you more time to relax in the departure lounge or shop at World Duty Free before your flight.' Reservations can be made for up to six people at once. The airport describes the service as 'perfect for those organised travellers who like to stick to a schedule'. When booking, passengers will be suggested 'the best slot options based on your flight details,' according to the website, which is typically two hours before the flight departs. However, the service does not cover check-in, baggage drop or passport control and can only be used at security. It comes after Heathrow announced ambitious new plans to cut waiting times at airport security. The UK's busiest airport has pledged that 95 per cent of passengers will pass through security in under five minutes by 2031. Heathrow is also planning to redesign its terminals to improve the passenger experience by creating 70,000 sqm more space for travellers, reports The Times. Terminals 3 and 5 are also set to get more shops and restaurants while the airport has pledged that 99 per cent of bags will arrive in time due to new technology. The airport said the technology would mean that 1.25 million fewer bags ended up lost.