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The America bound flight made a quick stop to Manchester Airport<\/p>\nThe plane was spotted flying “low”<\/p>\n
19:19, 25 Jul 2025Updated 19:27, 25 Jul 2025<\/p>\n
The America bound flight made a quick stop to Manchester Airport<\/p>\n
A Virgin Atlantic plane from Heathrow had to make a diversion to Manchester Airport<\/a> this afternoon. The flight, which was heading to Seattle in the USA, was spotted flying “low” over Shaw, Oldham<\/a>.<\/p>\n Virgin Atlantic says that the impromptu visit to the Manchester Airport was to refuel due to “air traffic control restrictions.” The flight arrived at Manchester Airport just before 5pm and left for its intended destination just before 6pm.<\/p>\n One eye witness told the M.E.N that they could see the plane’s landing gear deployed while it was still in the air which is “very unusual when not on final approach.”<\/p>\n A Virgin Atlantic Spokesperson said: \u201cThe VS105 from London Heathrow to Seattle on 25 July has diverted to Manchester Airport to refuel due to air traffic control restrictions.<\/p>\n “The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority and our teams are working hard to ensure our customers can continue on their journey as soon as possible.<\/p>\n “We sincerely apologise for the delay and any inconvenience caused.\u201d<\/p>\n Issues with Air Traffic Control systems in Iceland have seen a number of planes travelling across the Atlantic forced to divert due to refuel.<\/p>\n It is understood the system has now been restored and flights can once again travel through Icelandic airspace.<\/p>\n ——<\/p>\n Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it.<\/p>\n That’s why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable<\/strong>, highlighting the best of what we do – bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don’t miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North.<\/strong> You can also <\/strong>sign up for that here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here<\/strong><\/a> to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here,<\/strong><\/a> and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you’ll be the first to hear about it.<\/p>\n