Medical Emergency Forces EasyJet Flight U25521 to Divert to Gatwick Airport
A routine EasyJet flight from Alicante to Manchester was diverted to London Gatwick Airport on Sunday morning, 25 May, after a passenger onboard required urgent medical attention.
The aircraft involved, an Airbus A319-111, was en route over southern England when the pilot declared a medical emergency. According to live flight tracking data from FlightRadar24, Flight U25521 made a controlled descent, landing safely on runway 26L at approximately 8:30 AM.
EasyJet Confirms Medical Diversion
An EasyJet spokesperson issued the following statement:
“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 always their top priority. The flight is expected to continue to Manchester once the situation has been resolved.
Emergency Response Swift at Gatwick
Emergency personnel were on standby at London Gatwick, responding promptly to assist the unwell passenger. While specific details about the medical condition remain undisclosed, the aircraft landed without incident.
The aircraft had veered north from its intended route shortly after crossing the English Channel, prompting a diversion over southern England.
Broader Context: Aviation Medical Incidents
Medical emergencies on commercial flights are relatively rare but not uncommon. In similar recent incidents:
- An EasyJet flight from Tenerife to Liverpool diverted to northern Spain in March due to an unconscious passenger.
- In early May, an EasyJet flight was forced to land early following a passenger dispute mid-air.
Airlines are trained to handle such emergencies efficiently, with emergency response protocols ensuring swift access to ground-based care.
