Air Canada flight makes mid-air emergency U-turn back to UK airport | World | News
An Air Canada flight bound for Toronto was forced to make an emergency return to Heathrow Airport following a mid-air scare shortly after takeoff.
Flight AC853 took off at 08:34 BST on Saturday, climbed to 34,000 feet and departed over the Atlantic as planned.
But less than an hour into the journey, the crew broadcast the Squawk 7700 signal, a code used to alert air traffic control to a serious problem on the ship.
The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft quickly abandoned its transatlantic route and made a controlled return to London, where emergency services were on standby.
Tracking data shows the jet began its turnaround shortly after reaching cruising altitude around 09:15 BST before descending towards the capital.
The aircraft landed safely on runway 27L at approximately 10:02 BST. Landings on Heathrow’s south runway were briefly halted as a precaution while emergency crews responded in accordance with standard protocol.
The aircraft then taxied to the gate under escort of emergency vehicles and passengers were taken back to the terminal.
Air Canada has not yet confirmed the cause of the emergency; Such alerts are often triggered by a range of issues, including technical malfunctions or medical events.
No injuries were reported following the incident.
The airline then arranged a new departure later the same morning; The situation is expected to be reviewed by both airline and airport authorities.
