British Airways 777 bound for Orlando returns to London

A British Airways flight bound for Orlando, Florida is returning to London approximately four hours into its transatlantic flight.

British Airways BA2037 London – Orlando

British Airways flight BA2037, a Boeing 777-200ER, was on a scheduled long-haul flight from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Orlando International Airport (MCO).

The flight was over the Atlantic outbound for Orlando when it executed a return to London Gatwick. The nature of the problem necessitating the return is not known.

Flight plan for BA2037 London to Orlando, showing return to London. — Image Source: RadarBox.com

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Flight data shows the transatlantic long haul flight departed London Gatwick earlier today after a slight delay; showing an actual time of departure of 11:08 BST.

Scheduled departure time for the service was given as 10:40 BST.

The flight operated by Boeing 777-200ER, registered G-VIIP departed normally and was established on its outbound track over the Atlantic before executing the turnaround.

Data shows the flight had established itself at cruising altitude FL360 (36,000 feet), before executing the return at approximately 12: 26 BST, over the Atlantic to the west of Ireland.

UPDATE 15:30 BST

Flight BA2037 currently establishing itself for an approach to London Gatwick (LGW). Weather for the flight’s return is visual flight conditions (VFR) with light winds 240° at 9kt and scattered cloud.

The aircraft did not declare a formal emergency and the cause of the return after 4 hours in the air has not yet been ascertained.

The aircraft in question, a Boeing 777-200ER registered G-VIIP is a 24 year old aircraft belonging to the national flag carrier British Airways.

UPDATE 15:50 BST

With the aircraft now safely down at London Gatwick, information shows the flight has apparently been greeted by emergency vehicles, with data showing possibly 4 assets accompanying the flight back in to the gate.

UPDATE 16:00 BST

Social media outlet @FlightEmergency now giving the cause of the return of flight BA2037 as a cracked windscreen. The flight profile data suggests there was not an accompanying loss of pressurisation as a result of the damage.

We will update with further information as it comes to hand.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.