A Virgin Atlantic flight bound for Providenciales Island and Montego Bay has been forced to turn back to London Heathrow this morning due to a technical issue with the nosewheel

Flight #S163, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (registration G-VBOW), departed Heathrow at around 8.10am on Tuesday from runway 27L. The aircraft, which is seven years old, climbed to a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet as it headed towards its first destination.

However, just over an hour into the flight, the crew decided to return to London due to a technical problem with the nosewheel. The aircraft is expected to land back at Heathrow Airport safely.

A Full emergency has been stood up at London Heathrow Airport with all appliances from London Heathrow and support being called in from the London Fire Brigade. The flight is due to attempt to make a landing at just before 11am

The Boeing 787-9 is configured in three classes: 31 seats in Business, 35 seats in Premium, and 192 seats in Economy, carrying a full load of passengers on the scheduled flight.

Virgin Atlantic has not yet released details regarding the technical issue, but passengers on board are being kept informed. More updates are expected as the airline assesses the situation.