A flight heading to New York turned back to London Heathrow Airport after a laser beam was shone into the cockpit, Virgin Atlantic has said.
The flight returned to the west London airport as a “precautionary measure” after the co-pilot reported feeling unwell.The airline apologised to passengers for any inconvenience caused, and said it was working with the authorities to identify the source of the laser.
The crew told air traffic control there was a “medical issue” with one of the pilots after the laser hit flight VS025 after take-off at 20:13 GMT on Sunday.The flight was grounded overnight, and the 252 passengers put up in hotels.
Shining a laser at a plane can be an offence. Police are investigating, but there have been no arrests.
