A TUI Airways flight to Las Palmas was forced to divert to London Gatwick due to problems with flaps.
TUI Airways flight BY6658 departed Cardiff Saturday, July 12 2025 at 15:04 BST. The Boeing 737-800 stopped the climb at 19,000 feet as the crew noticed a technical issue with the aircraft over the English Channel.
Pilots contacted ATC to request a diversion due to stabilization issues. The aircraft (registration G-FDZR) was vectored to London Gatwick.
The flight circled during one hour at 11,000 feet while pilots where dealing with the flaps issues and for the airport to get the respond team ready.
Emergency landing
The Boeing 737-800 landed on runway 08R more than 2 hours after departure and was surrounded by fire trucks for inspection due to possible high speed landing.
High-speed landing
A high-speed landing due to flap issues occurs when an aircraft must land at a higher-than-normal approach and touchdown speed because its flaps are not fully extended or are stuck in a partially retracted position.
Safe landing in Las Palmas
The same aircraft resumed the flight. It departed LGW Airport at 19:45 BST then landed in Las Palmas 3 hours and 43 minutes later.
