MANCHESTER — A Virgin Atlantic flight bound for New York has been forced to abort its transatlantic journey and return to Manchester Airport shortly after departure following an inflight emergency.
Flight VS127, operated by an Airbus A330-300 (registration G-VSXY), departed Manchester Airport (MAN) on schedule at 14:55 BST for what was intended to be a nearly eight-hour flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.
The aircraft took off from runway 23R and began its initial departure phase. However, the flight crew halted the climb at 10,000 feet after encountering an unspecified technical issue. Pilots declared an emergency shortly thereafter to secure priority handling from air traffic control due to an engine failure.
The aircraft subsequently descended to 7,000 feet and entered a holding pattern northwest of Manchester to manage fuel levels and complete standard safety checks before attempting a landing.
Emergency services at Manchester Airport are expected to monitor the arrival as part of standard operating procedures for declared emergencies.
More to follow as details emerge.
UPDATE 15:45 BST
Returning to MAN, on final approach.
UPDATE 15:51 BST
Touch down on runway 23R.
UPDATE 15:52 BST
Vacating the runway, 41 mins after takeoff.
UPDATE 15:54 BST
The aircraft is met by emergency vehicles.
