Midair scare as cracked window forces emergency diversion back to airport

British Airways Flight 2660 was forced to make an emergency diversion back to London Gatwick after the aircraft reversed course less than an hour into a trip from London Gatwick to Faro, Portugal, on Oct. 13. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the turnaround over France. A British Airways spokesperson said the plane diverted due to a “minor technical issue” and landed safely. During the event, the crew reportedly transmitted the 7700 emergency code, according to AirNav Radar. Aviation safety expert Steven Arroyo, a retired United captain, said 7700 alerts air traffic control that an emergency is underway, though it doesn’t specify the cause. A cracked window was reported by observers, while the airline did not confirm that detail.