From the
story in the Graun:
RAF statement:
“This [RAF Northolt] flight was coordinated with Heathrow ATC but had to extend by a few minutes to complete its sortie. The minor delays caused to civilian air traffic are regretted.”
and:
One passenger on a Virgin Atlantic flight from Los Angeles that diverted to Gatwick shortly before it was due to land spoke of the “alarming” experience as the plane circled Heathrow.
Anne Henry, a British TV producer, told the Mirror Online: “It was quite alarming when the captain announced after circling Heathrow for a while: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, we have about five to 10 minutes’ fuel left so we may need to divert to Gatwick.’”
After the Virgin plane refuelled, it took off again for Heathrow and landed almost three hours late. Passengers were given a letter apologising for a “security incident” disrupting the flight.