The Boeing 747 jumbo jet, carrying 447 passengers and 15 crew members, turned back midway and landed safely at the Gatwick airport, four hours after its take off.
Virgin said: "Virgin Atlantic can confirm that the plane has landed safely at Gatwick. Our priority now is to look after our passengers."
Ambulances and fire-and-rescue crews had been on standby as the plane circled the airport in the hours after it took off for America in late morning.
Television pictures showed the plane at a halt safely on the runway.
There was apparently no need for an immediate response by emergency crews although within a few minutes the flashing lights of emergency vehicles could be seen close to the plane.
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