A Virgin Atlantic passenger plane that developed technical problem with parts of its main gear has landed safely at London's Gatwick Airport. Virgin flight VS43 was travelling from Gatwick to Las Vegas when it had to return to the West Sussex airport.


The aircraft circled repeatedly over north Devon and the south coast of England apparently to burn off fuel. However, the Boeing 747 made a bumpy but safe landing just before 16:00 GMT. Gatwick's runway is closed as a result.


A Virgin spokesman said: "Virgin Atlantic can confirm that the plane has landed safely at Gatwick. Our priority now is to look after our passengers."