British Airways Flight Diverted After Cracked Window Prompts Emergency Code

A British Airways flight en route to Faro, Portugal, was diverted back to London Gatwick Airport on Oct. 13 due to a cracked window. The aircraft, Flight 2660, had departed from Gatwick and was less than an hour into its journey when the crew transmitted a 7700 emergency code, signaling an urgent issue to air traffic control.

While British Airways confirmed the diversion due to a "minor technical issue," sources indicated that a cracked window was the cause. The flight was flying over France when the decision was made to return to Gatwick.

According to aviation safety expert Steven Arroyo, the 7700 code is a universal alert that pilots can use to notify air traffic control of an emergency. This code illuminates on radar screens, prompting controllers to prepare for an aircraft in distress. However, the code itself does not specify the nature of the problem, requiring pilots to communicate the details separately.

Arroyo explained that aircraft passenger windows are constructed with multiple layers, and the severity of a crack depends on its location. A significant crack could compromise the aircraft's ability to maintain cabin pressure. Nevertheless, even minor cracks can prompt crews to divert as a precautionary measure to prevent potential worsening of the damage.

In deciding whether to continue a flight or divert, crews prioritize safety, considering various factors. Returning to Gatwick allowed the flight crew to land before the cracked window could pose a greater risk.

British Airways stated that they apologized to the affected customers for the delay and that their teams worked to resume travel plans. The airline ensured the aircraft landed safely back at London Gatwick.

This incident follows a more severe midair window event in July, where a passenger window on a Ryanair flight became dislodged shortly after departure. A 61-year-old passenger was nearly ejected from the aircraft at 16,000 feet before other passengers intervened. That flight also returned safely to its origin, with the passenger receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained.