Flight VIR363 from Islamabad to Manchester transmitted code 7700, indicating a general emergency, mid-flight. 7700 is a squawk code that is reserved for emergency situations and immediately alerts Air Traffic Control (ATC) and other units that the aircraft squawking 7700 is in distress. It may be assigned by Air Traffic Control or the pilots may decide to enter it into their transponder themselves.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “Due to adverse weather conditions at Manchester Airport the VS363 from Islamabad has diverted and requested a priority landing into London Heathrow.
“The aircraft landed as normal and we’re working with our customers to ensure they can complete their onward journeys as quickly as possible.
“We’d like to apologise for the disruption caused.”
Eight planes were unable to land at Manchester Airport this morning due to strong winds.
Britain is experiencing its third storm in less than a week as Storm Franklin has been named.
In terms of the damage it is causing, the high-speed winds are playing havoc for aeroplanes looking to land at Manchester Airport.
According to one plane spotter, there were eight aircraft being held, with something having attempted to land but the wind is proving too strong to do so.
It comes as the Met Office has issued a warning to the public.
READ MORE: Storm Franklin triggers over 180 flood warnings – are you at risk?
“Severe disruption” means some train customers are urged not to travel.
A ‘yellow’ wind warning has been issued by the Met Office for today, Monday.
The yellow weather warning remains in force for most of the country – including South Yorkshire – as gales of up to 80mph are expected today.
The warning is in place until 1pm and the Met Office has warned that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts.
Train services across Yorkshire have been cancelled due to the weather.
Coastal areas, though, are feared to be worst hit by the latest storm.
The Met Office said: “In the south these strong winds may hamper, or slow, ongoing recovery efforts in the wake of Storm Eunice.
“Winds will ease steadily from the northwest during the remainder of Monday.”
It’s the third storm the UK has faced in the space of one week.
Storm Eunice’s destructive path through the UK on Friday left the country vulnerable, with Britons picking up the pieces following the storm’s 120mph winds.
The most severe system in decades killed up to four people and injured many others while toppling trees, stirring waves and picking up debris.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1569275/manchester-news-virgin-atlantic-flight-islamabad-pakistan-london-diverted-latest-updates