Medical Emergency Forces EasyJet Flight to Divert to Gatwick
An EasyJet flight from Alicante to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing at London Gatwick on Sunday morning, 25 May. A passenger onboard needed urgent medical help, prompting the pilot to declare a medical emergency.
The Airbus A319-111 was flying over southern England when it made a controlled descent and touched down safely on runway 26L at about 8:30 AM, according to FlightRadar24 data.
EasyJet Confirms Medical Diversion
An EasyJet spokesperson said:
“Flight EZY5521 from Alicante to Manchester today, 25 May, was required to divert to London Gatwick due to a customer onboard requiring urgent medical attention. The passenger was met at London Gatwick by medical services.”
The airline reassured passengers that crew and passenger safety is their top priority. The flight is expected to continue its journey to Manchester once the situation is under control.
Swift Emergency Response at Gatwick
Emergency teams were on standby and responded swiftly at Gatwick to assist the unwell passenger. Although the passenger’s exact medical condition has not been disclosed, the landing went smoothly without incident.
The plane deviated north from its original route soon after crossing the English Channel, causing the diversion over southern England.
Medical Emergencies in Aviation: Not Uncommon
Medical emergencies onboard commercial flights are rare but do happen. Recent similar incidents include:
- An EasyJet flight from Tenerife to Liverpool diverted to northern Spain in March due to an unconscious passenger.
- In early May, another EasyJet flight was forced to land early after a passenger dispute mid-air.
Airlines follow strict emergency protocols to ensure quick access to medical care on the ground.
