Virgin Atlantic flight makes emergency landing after ‘phone charger’ fire
A Virgin Atlantic flight to London was forced to make an emergency landing after a fire to broke out on board.
It is thought an external phone charger wedged between seat cushions had ignited, although this hasn’t been confirmed.
Flight 138 left New York JFK Airport at around 8pm last night and was due to arrive at Heathrow at 7.20am this morning.
Instead, the A330 diverted to Boston, where it landed at 8.50pm.
All 217 passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
"Preliminary investigation suggests it is a battery pack consistent in appearance with an external phone charger," said a police spokesman.
One passenger refused treatment for a smoke-related complaint, they added.
Virgin Atlantic said it is ‘currently investigating’ what caused the incident.
"The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority and we are currently investigating to fully understand the circumstances," said a Virgin spokeswoman.
"We’d like to thank our customers for their patience as we work with them to provide local accommodation or to rebook alternative flights to their final destination."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps