The aircraft left Cardiff Airport earlier this morning.

14:07, Wed, Jun 10, 2026 Updated: 14:23, Wed, Jun 10, 2026

USAF C-130 At Paris Air Show

A US Air Force C-130H Hercules reported a general emergency (file picture) (Image: Getty)

A US military plane reported this morning a general emergency off the coast of Wales. US Air Force C-130H Hercules aircraft transmitted code 7700, indicating a general emergency, after taking off from Cardiff Airport this morning.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft tracked west after departing and turned around, tracking east back towards the Welsh capital. It took off at 10.23am and safely landed back at Cardiff Airport at 1.15pm. During its journey, it flew over South Wales and out into the North Atlantic Ocean before heading back.

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The aircraft's flight map

The aircraft's flight map (Image: Flightradar24)

While the exact nature of the emergency is not yet known, squawking 7700 automatically triggers audio and visual alerts on all air traffic control (ATC) radar screens in the area.

It tells controllers that the aircraft needs immediate priority handling and assistance, even if the pilots are too busy to speak over the radio.

The signal covers a broad range of urgent scenarios, including mechanical failures, onboard medical emergencies, system failures, and fuel issues.

US Air Force Lockheed C-130 Aircraft

The plane was designed for cargo drops and airlifts (file picture) (Image: Getty)

The C-130H Hercules was built and designed by Lockheed Martin, a US defence and aerospace manufacturer that supplies the country's Defence Department and allied governments.

Used for heavy-lift tactical airlift, troop transport, and cargo airdrops, the aircraft features four engined ans a wingspan of 40 metres.

The US Air Force has been contacted for comment.