A flight to New York had to turn back as the co-pilot wasn't fully qualified.
A flight bound for New York had to turn back as the pilot wasn't fully qualified
The Virgin Atlantic flight from Heathrow to the Big Apple was 40 minutes into the journey on Monday (02.05.22) when the first officer told his captain that he had yet to complete his final flying test.
Angry passengers were then delayed for three hours after the plane returned to the UK and staff scrambled to find an experienced replacement.
Virgin Atlantic have apologised for the error and says it was caused by a roster mistake.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "You could have cut the tension in the cockpit with a knife.
"The plane got as far as Ireland and then they found out the first officer was still in training. The skipper had no choice but to go back to Heathrow and find a more experienced member of the crew.
"It was embarrassing for everyone and the passengers were furious."