An easyJet flight to Tenerife had to make a sudden U-turn and return to Gatwick due to a “technical issue”.
The captain of flight EZY8033, which left the London airport at 7.26am and was due to arrive in Tenerife at 11.50am, decided to return to Gatwick “as a precaution”, easyJet said.
The airline added: “The captain performed a routine landing in accordance with standard operating procedures and passengers have disembarked normally.
“We are arranging for an alternative aircraft to operate the flight to Tenerife and would like to thank customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of the delay.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is our highest priority and easyJet operates its aircraft in strict compliance with manufacturer guidelines.”
Read more from Sky News:
Polls open for millions to cast their votes
Boy, 17, dies in ‘tragic accident’ on school trip
Three boys arrested after trans woman attacked
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
The aircraft, which can carry up to 244 passengers, flew around 403 miles southwest before making a U-turn above the Bay of Biscay – around 155 miles west of the French city La Rochelle.