In a dramatic day for easyJet, two separate incidents raised concerns over flight safety, with one plane forced to make an emergency landing after a bird strike and another impacted by a co-pilot’s medical emergency.

The first incident unfolded when easyJet flight U28538, bound for London Gatwick from Faro, encountered a bird shortly after takeoff. The collision is believed to have affected the aircraft’s ability to gain altitude, with social media witnesses reporting that the engines “sounded very strange.” After spending 25 minutes burning fuel over the ocean, the aircraft returned safely to Faro Airport at 5:40 pm local time. Despite the alarming situation, a “red code” alert was promptly issued, and the plane landed without further complications.

Hours earlier, another easyJet aircraft experienced a distressing scenario when a co-pilot fainted en route from London to Lisbon. The flight, carrying 193 passengers, landed safely in Lisbon where the co-pilot received immediate medical attention and was taken to Santa Maria Hospital.

These back-to-back emergencies have sparked discussions about the intense pressures and health risks faced by aviation personnel. Retired Portuguese pilot Jose Correia Guedes commented on the incident, highlighting the growing frequency of such medical emergencies in the skies and raising questions about the sustainability of current pilot working conditions.

As the industry reacts to these incidents, easyJet has reiterated that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew remain its top priority. Both incidents are under review, and further details are expected as investigations progress.