A medical emergency involving the pilot forced an EasyJet aircraft en route from Hurghada, Egypt, to Manchester to divert to Athens.
The incident prompted an emergency landing and a rescheduled journey for passengers, The US Sun reported.
Approximately two hours into flight EZY2252, as the crew served drinks, the captain became unwell and collapsed, prompting passengers skilled in the medical field to offer urgent assistance.
Crew members quickly set up a screen around the ailing pilot to give him privacy while they assessed the situation. Meanwhile, the crew informed alarmed passengers through an announcement that the pilot was in distress and that they were seeking medical help.
The co-pilot took command of the aircraft after the captain became incapacitated. As passengers grappled with the unfolding drama, the plane made its way towards Athens, navigating a path that passengers described as notably rough.
The Q&A passenger shared with Manchester Evening News echoes the high tension onboard: "The ride began to get very rough and scary as we approached the runway. We started to panic. I got upset once I felt how rocky and rough the landing was and started to panic thinking it was the end."
Despite the fraught approach and stressful circumstances, the co-pilot executed a landing that, although rocky, ensured everyone's safety. Immediately upon touching down, paramedics boarded the aircraft to provide medical assistance to the incapacitated pilot.
Following the unanticipated stop in Athens, passengers experienced further inconvenience as they faced delays and the arrangement of an unplanned overnight stay. EasyJet took measures to mitigate the disruption caused by the emergency.
An EasyJet spokesman explained the response to the incident: "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 by standard operating procedures and the aircraft was met by paramedics on arrival in Athens."
Additionally, the spokesman detailed how the airline assisted passengers: "As a result, the onward flight was delayed overnight and passengers will continue their journey to Manchester today. We did all possible to minimize the impact of the disruption and arranged hotel rooms and meals where available."
In reflections shared after the event, passengers expressed their appreciation for the cabin crew's professionalism during the stressful ordeal. One passenger remarked, "I'm just so glad we had fantastic cabin crew on board and the co-pilot landed us safely."
The cohesive effort between the trained medical volunteers among the passengers and the cabin crew was crucial in managing the emergency effectively. The care for the pilot's privacy and the calm manner in which updates were provided exemplified professional handling under pressure.
The incident, while harrowing, showcased the importance of emergency protocols and training in ensuring passenger and crew safety under unexpected circumstances. The quick decision-making by the co-pilot to divert to Athens likely prevented a more severe outcome, underscoring the critical nature of backup systems and protocols in aviation.
EasyJet apologized for the inconvenience caused by the emergency diversion and subsequent delays. In response, passengers onboard acknowledged the airline's efforts to arrange accommodations and meals for them.
The prepared statement by the airline concluded with a note of gratitude towards their passengers: "We would like to apologize to passengers for the inconvenience caused and thank them for their patience and understanding."
Meanwhile, EasyJet's crew successfully handled the mid-air medical emergency, and the co-pilot's adeptness in safely landing the aircraft underscores the rigorous training and preparedness that flight crews must maintain. Although passengers were shaken, they largely expressed relief and commended the crew for their handling of the situation, reflecting their trust in the airline's procedures for dealing with such rare but critical incidents.
