AMSTERDAM — A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight bound for São Paulo was forced to cut its journey short today, declaring an airborne emergency over the English Channel before executing a U-turn back to the Netherlands.
Flight KL791, a regularly scheduled long-haul service from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), departed Amsterdam at 13:20 CEST. The flight was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, carrying the registration PH-BVS.
Flight Profile & Turnback
According to real-time flight tracking data, the twin-engine widebody aircraft initially climbed out of Schiphol’s Runway 24. It leveled off at an initial cruising altitude of 29,000 feet just south of the OK (Oorlogskloof) waypoint before continuing its climb to 31,000 feet as it traveled over the English Channel.
However, just over an hour into what was meant to be an 11-and-a-half-hour journey across the Atlantic, the flight crew made the decision to abort the flight.
[13:20 CEST] -> Departure from Schiphol (AMS) Runway 24
[~14:00 CEST] -> Climbed to 31,000 feet over the English Channel
[~14:30 CEST] -> Crew declares emergency (Squawk 7700) and begins U-turn
While over the English Channel, the pilots set their transponder to Squawk 7700, the international aviation code used to signal a general emergency. Broadcasted to air traffic control, the code immediately grants the flight priority handling over all other surrounding traffic.
Precautionary Return
Following the emergency declaration, the Boeing 777 reversed its course and began tracking back toward Amsterdam.
A mechanical glitch prompted the turnaround. Ground crews and emergency vehicles at Schiphol Airport were prepared to meet the aircraft upon landing.
Further details regarding the exact nature of the emergency will be reported as official statements from KLM or Schiphol Airport authorities become available.
UPDATE #1
The Boeing 777 is dumping fuel on return to Schiphol airport (confirmed by spotters).
UPDATE #2
Touch down on runway 27 at AMS.
UPDATE #3
Taxied to gate F3.
