This is a Developing Story. Refresh page for updates.
Update: The plane has landed at Gatwick Airport. Emergency units are responding to inpsect if there are any injuries due to the heavy landing.
Virgin Atlantic says Flight VS43 from Gatwick will implement ‘non-standard landing procedure’ due to gear problem.
The plane is currently circling around south east England after its right wing landing gear apparently failed to come down.
The flight departed Gatwick Airport and was en route to Las Vegas.
Virgin Atlantic confirmed there was a problem with one of the landing gears and said it was preparing to make an emergency landing. The plane is circling the airport to burn out excess fuel in anticipation of the emergency landing.
In a statement, Virgin Atlantic said: “Virgin Atlantic can confirm that flight VS43 on 29th December, travelling to McCarran International Airport Las Vegas, returned to London Gatwick due to a technical issue with one of the landing gears.
“The aircraft is preparing to implement a non-standard landing procedure at Gatwick airport. A further update will be issued as soon as possible.”
Fire and rescue crews are understood to be standing by.
Emergency vehicles are parked at the runway and are awaiting the emergency landing.
