A Jet2 flight travelling from Tenerife to Birmingham was forced to make an emergency landing in Portugal after one of the pilots reportedly suffered a suspected heart attack while the aircraft was cruising at 30,000 feet.
According to international media reports, Flight LS1266 carrying around 220 passengers diverted to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport during the early hours of May 22.
Cabin crew sought medical assistance onboard
Passengers described tense scenes onboard as cabin crew reportedly rushed through the aircraft asking whether any passengers had medical training. Several travellers said the plane descended rapidly before landing safely in Porto.
Some passengers claimed cabin lights flickered during the emergency descent, while children onboard became distressed as the aircraft quickly lost altitude.
Emergency medical teams boarded the aircraft immediately after landing and attended to the pilot before he was shifted to a hospital for treatment.
Passengers faced long delay
Reports said passengers remained onboard for more than an hour before disembarking. Travellers later spent nearly 13 hours at the airport terminal while the airline arranged a replacement crew and aircraft.
A replacement pilot was reportedly flown in from Manchester before passengers eventually continued their journey to Birmingham.
Some passengers criticised the lengthy delay and lack of accommodation arrangements during the disruption, though several also expressed sympathy for the pilot and crew.
Airline says safety was never compromised
In an official statement, Jet2 confirmed that the flight diverted after one of the pilots became unwell.
The airline stated that passenger safety was never compromised and apologised for the unforeseen delay caused by the emergency landing.
The condition of the pilot has not been officially disclosed by the airline.