easyJet Hit by Double Trouble: Bird Strike and Pilot Emergency
easyJet faced a shocking double whammy today with two separate incidents shaking passenger confidence. One plane was forced into an emergency landing after a bird strike, while another had to deal with a co-pilot fainting mid-flight.
Bird Strike Forces Emergency Return to Faro
Drama unfolded on easyJet flight U28538 from Faro to London Gatwick" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">London Gatwick when a bird smashed into the aircraft shortly after takeoff. Witnesses on social media reported the engines “sounded very strange” as the plane struggled to gain altitude. The pilot spent 25 tense minutes burning off fuel over the ocean before safely returning to Faro Airport at 5:40 pm local time.
A “red code” alert was promptly issued, but thankfully there were no injuries and the plane landed without further incident.
Co-Pilot Collapses Flying London to Lisbon
Earlier the same day, another easyJet flight flying from London to Lisbon was thrown into chaos when the co-pilot fainted mid-air. The jet, carrying 193 passengers, managed a safe landing in Lisbon where the co-pilot was rushed to Santa Maria Hospital for urgent medical care.
Industry Concerns Over Aviation Staff Health
These back-to-back incidents have sparked tough questions about the mounting pressures on aviation crews. Retired Portuguese pilot Jose Correia Guedes warned of the rising number of medical emergencies in the skies. He called into question whether current pilot working conditions are sustainable given the safety risks involved.
easyJet insists safety comes first. The airline confirmed both events are under thorough investigation as they aim to reassure the public and crew.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
