Heathrow shuts after British Airways plane “catches fire”

Heathrow Airport has been shut, following a reported engine fire.

The British Airways flight to Oslo could be seen to be spewing smoke, and was forced to make an emergency landing at Heathrow.

The incident is not being treated as terror related. There have been no reports of injuries. Both runways were initially closed, although the south runway has since reopened.

Many aircraft are descending over my house diverting to London Stansted. Just seen 2 BA A320s #Heathrow

— Alex M ✈ (@AlexInAir) May 24, 2013

 There is speculation that the incident occurred after the aircraft flew into a flock of birds.

Picture of the Heathrow plane with its engine on fire twitter.com/garethjmurtagh…

— Gareth Murtagh (@garethjmurtagh) May 24, 2013

The airport is warning of knock-on delays that will hit passengers due to fly for the long Bank Holiday weekend. In bound Heathrow flights are being diverted to other London and UK airports, including Stansted and Gatwick.

RT@bucksterred: First Picture Of #Heathrow #ba #Plane on fire While coming in to land! twitter.com/bucksterred/st…

— Warren (@textsms2011) May 24, 2013

A British Airways spokesman said a “full investigation” would be carried out into the incident. to be carried out into the incident.

“The BA762, Heathrow to Oslo service, returned back to Heathrow shortly after take-off due to a technical fault. The Airbus A319 aircraft was carrying 75 customers.”