Speaking from experience - VS27 Passenger!
I was a passenger onboard the VS27 on Monday. I know only a little about planes and how they work etc so the majority of this has been interesting. I did not know that this aircraft could not 'dump' fuel or that the reason we went back to Gatwick was due to runway length and capability of emergency services. To be honest, I didn't question why we did not land at an alternative airport. Unfortunately I work with Tom Aldridge and Mark Bell.
I would like to give you all my version of events. After approx 15 minutes, the pilot requested 'please can the cabin crew on the left side of the aircraft come to the cockpit immediately'. I imagine he then briefed them and they began checking everyone had seatbelts on and that all luggague was under seats etc. The pilot then announced we would return to Gatwick. I do not remember if he said to make an emergency landing. I believe he may have cut the engine on the left hand side of the plane as when we were turning to line up with the runway, the right engine was making much more noise than normal as I guess it was powering the plane.
We came in to land extremely fast and the emergency services were present. As soon as the engine had fully powered down, we were told to 'Evacuate Now'. I exited the plane quickly and with only a grazed elbow. I have no recollection of a screaming crew and was caught by a fireman at the bottom of the slide and told to 'get away from the plane, now'.
Once we had been collected by coaches, we were taken to the gate, necessary paperwork completed, fed, watered (children were being provided with colouring books and pencils, clothing was provided etc), we were then police escorted to the Hilton once approval had been given by immigration where a buffet was laid on for dinner and breakfast. We completed forms in order to retrieve hand lugguage which we had back by 8pm. Virgin picked up the cost of mine and my colleagues dinner at the hotel. We have also been provided with a free flight anywhere with the exception of Australia.
We were informed that there would be a flight at 3pm the following day and specifically that it was a Boeing not an Airbus. On board the captain was speaking with passengers during the flight and they were running competitions to distract people.
On my flight back from Miami on Sunday, I was provided with another letter at checkin asking for my correct contact details as Virgin want to write to all passengers. Unfortunately a passenger was taken seriously ill on this flight and we we're prioritised for landing at LHR as the paramedics had been called. Captain informed us we would have to have a 'fast' landing. Again this was executed perfectly.
The last time I flew with Virgin prior to this trip and on my return from Cuba, we had a 'flyby' at GTW but again we're kept informed of the situation and landed safely. Apparently there was a plane on the runway and it was apparent the captain had interviened during our descent.
IMHO, The Captain, Crew and Emergency Services did an amazing job in respect of the VS27 and should be highly commended. So too should Virgin for the after care provided. Afterall, I got on the plane the following day!
Hope this helps clear things up for you all.