Emergency landing for EasyJet flight after pilot collapses

Alsharq Tribune- Daily Mail

An easyJet flight from Manchester to Egypt has been forced to carry out an emergency landing after a pilot on board collapsed.

The plane had been travelling from Hurghada in Egypt to the northern English city on Saturday evening but had to be diverted to Athens when one of the pilots had a medical emergency.

As soon as the pilot collapsed, cabin crew members were seen rushing to the front of the plane, as the passengers on board started to realise something was wrong two hours into the flight. 

One passenger told The Mirror that crew members then 'screamed if anyone was medically trained', leading to a few 'getting up and assisting the cabin crew.'

They added: 'The following call was from the cabin crew to advise this was the captain/pilot who was seeking medical attention and has fell unwell and we again would be further updated with what was going to happen.

'At this point the passengers were starting to get rather worried and anxious including myself knowing that it was a pilot and not the passenger.' 

The remaining pilot was then tasked with carrying out an emergency landing at the Greek airport. After doing so, paramedics entered the aircraft to provide treatment.

The unnamed passenger said those on board were 'rather worried and anxious' after finding out it was the pilot who had collapsed and described the landing as 'very rough and scary'.

They said: 'We started to panic thinking it was the end. Another passenger began to have a panic attack and was given an oxygen mask to help.' 

After touching down safely, the crew and passengers were greeted by a large number of fire engines, police cars and ambulances. 

An easyJet spokesperson said: 'easyJet can confirm that flight EZY2252 from Hurghada to Manchester yesterday evening was diverted to Athens due to the Captain requiring medical assistance.

The First Officer performed a routine landing in accordance with standard operating procedures and the aircraft was met by paramedics on arrival in Athens.

'As a result the onward flight was delayed overnight and passengers will continue their journey to Manchester today. We did all possible to minimise the impact of the disruption and arranged hotel rooms and meals where available.

'We would like to apologise to passengers for the inconvenience caused and thank them for their patience and understanding.'