British Airways Flight 2660 reversed course over France and landed back at London Gatwick Airport on Oct. 13, less than an hour after departing for Faro, Portugal. The diversion was triggered by a cracked window, a detail that prompted the crew to transmit a 7700 emergency code, according to flight tracker AirNav Radar.
A British Airways spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the aircraft returned to Gatwick following a "minor technical issue." The airline stated that the flight landed safely and that staff apologized to customers for the delay while working to restore their travel plans. Although the carrier cited an unspecified technical problem, reports indicate the specific cause was damage to a passenger window.
Steven Arroyo, an aviation safety expert and retired United Airlines captain based in Florida, explained that the 7700 code is a universal signal pilots enter into the aircraft's transponder to alert air traffic controllers. He noted that while the code lights up on radar screens to indicate an event is occurring, it does not specify the nature of the problem. Pilots must then communicate directly with air traffic control to describe the issue and request assistance.
Arroyo said that passenger windows are constructed with multiple layers, meaning the severity of a crack depends heavily on its location. In more serious scenarios, damage can compromise the aircraft's ability to maintain cabin pressure. However, less severe cracks may simply prompt crews to land as a precautionary measure. When deciding whether to continue a flight or divert, Arroyo stated that safety remains the priority, and returning to Gatwick allowed the pilots to land before any potential worsening of the window damage.
The incident recalls a more severe midair window event involving a Ryanair flight in July. Shortly after departing Thessaloniki, Greece, a passenger window became dislodged, causing a loss of cabin pressure that nearly pulled a 61-year-old passenger outside. Other passengers helped pull him back inside, and the aircraft returned safely to Thessaloniki. The injured passenger was treated for neck and shoulder injuries and friction burns.
Arroyo advised passengers who notice window damage to alert a flight attendant immediately rather than assuming the crew is already aware. He emphasized that pilots value this information because it helps cabin crews identify issues that may require further attention.