The KLM flight made an emergency landing at Glasgow Airport this afternoon.
A transatlantic flight has been forced to make an emergency landing at Glasgow Airport. At around 1.20pm today, KLM flight KL691 left Amsterdam Schiphol for Toronto Pearson International Airport.
However, air traffic data from flight tracking site FlightRadar24, shows the Boeing 777 circling above Lanarkshire around an hour into the journey. At around 2.50pm, the flight was diverted and landed at Glasgow Airport following a 7700 general emergency.
A 7700 squawk is the universal aviation code for a general emergency, signalling to Air Traffic Control and other aircraft that a plane is in distress and needs immediate assistance for various issues like engine failure, medical emergencies, fires, or low fuel, acting as a universal “Mayday” on the radar screen.
The plane was then able to continue on its journey at 4.15pm to Toronto. KLM has been approached for comment.
Last month, in a unrelated incident, we reported that a United Airlines flight was forced to divert to Edinburgh Airport after the pilot declared an onboard emergency. The flight, which was heading from London to San Francisco, landed in the capital at around 4.40pm on Thursday after a 7700 squawk was issued.
The flight took off from London at 2.05pm before travelling north. It was set to cross the North Atlantic Ocean before it turned back and headed towards Edinburgh. Unconfirmed reports suggest the plane was met with emergency services as it touched down in the capital.
According to FlightRadar24, the plane was due to land in San Francisco at 5pm on Friday. However, it is not known when the flight will now arrive following the diversion.
The exact nature of the emergency is not yet known. United Airlines have been approached for comment.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to respond to the incident at 4.11pm however they were stood down upon arrival. Edinburgh Airport have also been asked for comment.
