EasyJet flight to Ibiza issues 'emergency code' and returns to Gatwick minutes after take-off

EasyJet flight to Ibiza issues 'emergency code' and returns to Gatwick minutes after take-off The flight has arrived safely at Gatwick, according to tracking data, but it is not clear why the plane performed a U-turn over the Channel and returned to its origin airport A flight from London Gatwick to Ibiza turned around just moments after take-off for a ‘general emergency’ this morning. Wednesday’s (July 22) 5:35am easyJet flight to the Spanish island on Wednesday morning has now returned and landed safely back at London Gatwick, according to Flight Radar 24. It’s thought the plane transmitted a ‘general emergency’ code ahead of returning to its original airport. Eyewitnesses have said on social media that 'lots of fire trucks' are in attendance at the airport. “EasyJet Flight EZY52LD turns back toward London Gatwick Airport in UK after transmitting code 7700, indicating general emergency, shortly after takeoff,” Flight Radar 24 said. Data from the tracking software shows the aircraft took off from the airport in West Sussex, flew south towards mainland Europe, and then performed a U-turn over the Channel, before making it back to Britain's second-busiest airport. The aeroplane model involved is an Airbus A320-214. The cause of the emergency transmission has not yet been revealed. However, the 7700 ‘squawk’ code is only used for ‘a serious situation requiring immediate assistance’ according to the Wayman Flight School. The EZY52LD operates on a daily basis during the summer from Gatwick to Ibiza, and has been operating on schedule and as normal for the last week, data shows. The budget airline recently announced a new Spanish route from Gatwick. Flights have started to Reus, the Catalan birthplace of the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, known for designing Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Família. Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK Country Manager, said: “The addition of these popular Spanish destinations, Reus and Ibiza, to our networks and Holidays Portfolio from London Gatwick and London Southend provides our customers with even more choice and great value when booking their European holidays next summer. "As the UK’s largest airline, we’re always aiming to make travel easy, providing great value to Europe’s most loved destinations, and we can’t wait to welcome more customers on board.” Gatwick Airport and easyJet have been contacted for comment.