Holidaymakers in search of winter sun found themselves plunged into a nightmare after the cockpit of their jet from Manchester to Barbados reportedly filled with smoke.
The Virgin Atlantic A330-300, registration G-VKSS, took off from Manchester Airport at around 1pm before it issued a squawk emergency call 20 minutes later.
Flight VS77 then turned around and returned to the airport, reporting a technical issue, according to aircraft news website AirLive.
The website claims that pilots informed air traffic controllers of ‘dense and acrid smell of smoke’ as they turned the jet around, bringing it back onto the ground at around 1.50pm, where it was met by several fire engines.
Virgin Atlantic jet G-VKSS (pictured in May 2017) took off from Manchester Airport at 1pm on Sunday only to turn around as the pilots reported smoke in the cockpit
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told the website: ‘The VS77 from Manchester to Barbados has returned to Manchester due to a technical issue.
‘The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
‘We’ll ensure our customers can complete their travel plans and keep them updated directly on next steps.’
This is a developing news story – more to follow.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
247
