LONDON – Passengers aboard TAP Air Portugal flight TP1329 experienced a brief but intense emergency this morning after their aircraft was forced to abandon its climb and return to London Gatwick (LGW) just minutes into the flight.
The Incident
The flight, bound for Porto (OPO), departed Gatwick’s Runway 26L on schedule. However, shortly after takeoff, the crew of the Airbus A320 (registration CS-TNJ) abruptly halted their ascent at approximately 4,300 feet.
The pilots quickly declared a general emergency, broadcasting the squawk 7700 code, and requested an immediate return to the airfield due to fire in a galley.
Rapid Response
The 26-year-old aircraft performed a tight loop south of the airport before lining up for an emergency approach.
The aircraft touched down safely and was met by airport ground services. Rather than returning to the South Terminal gates, the aircraft was directed to a remote stand for a technical assessment.
Technical Profile: CS-TNJ
The aircraft involved is a veteran of the TAP fleet:
- Model: Airbus A320-214
- Registration: CS-TNJ
- Age: Approximately 26 years
- Last Known Status: Under inspection at LGW
