An easyJet flight from Alicante to Manchester was forced to make an emergency diversion to Gatwick Airport this morning after a passenger required urgent medical attention mid-air.
Flight U25521, an Airbus A319-111, was cruising over the southern British coast when the crew declared a medical emergency, prompting the pilot to change course. The aircraft safely landed on runway 26L at Gatwick Airport at approximately 8:30 AM on Sunday.
Medical Emergency Onboard
A spokesperson for easyJet confirmed the incident in a 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 added that the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew remains its highest priority. The flight is expected to continue on to Manchester once cleared for departure.
Recent Pattern of Diversions
This incident follows a series of recent medical emergencies on easyJet flights:
- On March 25, a flight from Tenerife to Liverpool was diverted to Santiago-Rosalia de Castro Airport in Spain after a 67-year-old passenger was found unconscious. Despite resuscitation attempts, the passenger could not be revived.
- Earlier in March, another easyJet flight was diverted following an in-flight altercation over loud movie volume, highlighting the range of challenges airlines face at 30,000 feet.
Gatwick Responds Swiftly
Though the nature of today’s medical emergency has not been disclosed, emergency services were on standby at Gatwick Airport and responded promptly.
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft veering north from its original path toward Manchester shortly after passing over the English Channel.
Contact and Further Information
Authorities have not released further information on the condition of the affected passenger. EasyJet advises
