EasyJet co-pilot faints on flight from Luton to Lisbon

An easyJet co-pilot fainted in the air on a flight from Luton, England, to Lisbon, Portugal. The plane was carrying 193 passengers. Photo / SOPA Images

The aviator was met by paramedics after ‘falling ill’ during flight carrying 193 passengers.

An easyJet co-pilot has been taken to hospital after reportedly fainting on a flight from Luton to Lisbon.

Easyjet confirmed flight EZY2459 from Luton to Lisbon was carrying 193 passengers and was met by the paramedics upon landing.

The flight landed safely “in line with procedures” and passengers disembarked normally.

Local reports said the co-pilot was attended to by paramedics on the runway before being taken to Lisbon’s Santa Maria Hospital.

A spokesman said: “EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY2459 from Luton to Lisbon was met by the paramedics upon landing due to a crew member feeling unwell.

“The flight landed safely in line with procedures and passengers disembarked normally. At no point was the safety of the flight compromised.

“The safety and welfare of passengers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority.”

‘Red alert’

A Ryanair plane had to make an emergency landing at Faro Airport last December after the pilot fell ill. The aircraft was heading from London Stansted to Morocco.

The pilot told passengers before landing that he wasn’t feeling well and the diversion triggered a “red alert” at the airport.

A spokesman for Ryanair said at the time: “This flight from Stansted to Morocco diverted to Faro when one of the pilots became ill.

“The aircraft landed normally, and passengers were transferred to an alternative aircraft operated by another crew before continuing to Morocco.”

A similar incident occurred with a Ryanair flight in December last year. Photo / Kevin Hackert, Unsplash

Last April, a packed easyJet plane heading to Agadir in Morocco from London Gatwick had to divert to Faro.

Local reports at the time said the flight diversion was the result of the pilot suffering an “indisposition”, and led to an identical red alert being activated before the Airbus A320 was landed safely.

EasyJet said in a comment at the time: “easyJet can confirm that flight EZY6469 from London Gatwick to Agadir on 21 April diverted to Faro due to the First Officer requiring medical assistance.

“The Captain performed a routine landing in accordance with standard operating procedures and the aircraft was met by medical services on arrival in Faro.

“A replacement crew was arranged and passengers have since continued their journey to Agadir. We apologise for any inconvenience experienced due to the diversion and resulting delay.

“The safety and well-being of its passengers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority.”