[Video] Strong winds lash British Airways Airbus A320 at Gibraltar Airport, flight diverted to Malaga

On 25 February, a British Airways Airbus A320 (G-EUUY) operated flight BA492 between London Heathrow and Gibraltar. During their final approach, however, the pilots encountered heavy winds and performed a go-around. After the procedure, the pilots then opted for a diversion to Malaga, Spain. The subsequent return flight from Gibraltar to Heathrow was cancelled.

Strong winds around the famous rock of Gibraltar are common, when the wind blows through the Strait of Gibraltar, it is called the Viento de Levante or the Levanter. It is also known as the Solano.

Shortly after, some movies appeared on social media showing the British Airways aircraft heavily banking left and right just after the go-around. One passenger was able to film the procedure. A British Airways spokeswoman explains: “The flight has landed safely and passengers have left the aircraft normally. Due to strong winds in the Gibraltar area, our pilots decided to land in Malaga as a precaution. The safety of our customers and crew is always our number one priority.”

A few hours later, the aircraft departed from Malaga back to London Heathrow.

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