An EasyJet flight bound for Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing in Athens after the pilot suddenly collapsed at the controls.
Chaos erupted on board as cabin crew rushed to the cockpit, abandoning drink carts and urgently calling for medical help.
The crew quickly set up a screen around the pilot, who was in a critical condition, and informed passengers that an emergency landing was imminent.
The co-pilot swiftly took over control of the aircraft, landing safely at Athens Airport, where paramedics were waiting on the tarmac to provide urgent medical care to the pilot.
Passengers praised the co-pilot’s quick actions, calling them heroic, while also commending the cabin crew for their exceptional handling of the situation.
One passenger described the crew as “fantastic” for maintaining calm during the crisis.
A passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their experience with the Manchester Evening News. They described sensing something was wrong about two hours into the flight, when the cabin crew, who had been serving drinks, suddenly rushed to the cockpit.
At first, passengers thought a fellow traveler had collapsed, but the crew quickly clarified that it was the pilot in need of medical attention.
“The cabin crew then informed us that the captain had fallen ill and would require medical attention. At that point, anxiety began to set in among the passengers,” the anonymous witness recalled.
An EasyJet spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating: “EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY2252 from Hurghada to Manchester 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.”
The airline further explained that as a result of the diversion, the flight was delayed overnight, and passengers were accommodated in hotels with meals provided.
They also rebooked the passengers for their onward journey to Manchester on February 9. EasyJet apologized for the disruption and thanked passengers for their patience and understanding.
The pilot’s current condition remains undisclosed. The co-pilot's swift actions and the crew’s professionalism helped ensure the safe landing and care for the pilot.
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