On Feb 8th 2026, a TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320-200, registration CS-TNJ, was forced to return to London Gatwick shortly after departure when the crew reported a fire in one of the aircraft’s galleys.
Operating flight TP-1329 from London Gatwick to Porto, the aircraft had departed runway 26L and was climbing out normally when the crew levelled off at approximately 4,000 feet after indications of a fire in the cabin galley area. The pilots immediately halted the climb and began positioning the aircraft for a return to Gatwick.
Air traffic control cleared the A320 back for runway 26L, where it landed safely about 13 minutes after departure. After vacating the runway, the aircraft stopped on a parallel taxiway to allow emergency services to conduct an external inspection. Fire crews examined the aircraft as a precaution before it was cleared to taxi back to the apron.
There were no reports of injuries, and the situation appeared to be contained quickly by the flight crew in accordance with standard onboard fire procedures. Cabin fires, particularly in galleys where electrical equipment and ovens are concentrated, are treated with utmost seriousness due to the potential for rapid escalation.
Following ground inspections and necessary checks, the aircraft departed again approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes later. The flight continued to Porto, arriving with a delay of roughly the same duration.
The brief but decisive return underscores the aviation industry’s zero-tolerance approach to onboard fire warnings. Even when the source proves minor or precautionary, crews are trained to respond immediately, prioritizing passenger safety above schedule.
