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easyJet flight forced to make emergency landing as pilot 'collapsed' mid flightAn easyJet flight travelling from Hurghada in Egypt to Manchester was diverted after a pilot fell ill, and

passengers are now stranded in AthensCommentsKit Roberts09:57, 10 Feb 2025Updated 09:59, 10 Feb 2025An easyJet flight was forced to make an emergency landing(Image: Adam Vaughan) A traveller

has recounted the harrowing experience of being on a flight that was diverted due to a medical emergency involving one of the pilots. The easyJet flight, en route from Hurghada, Egypt to

Manchester, was redirected to Athens after the pilot's health scare.

Upon arrival, the plane had to circle the airport before making an emergency landing. A passenger on board described the frightening scene upon touching down in Athens, where they are

currently stranded.

‌ The flight landed safely, with emergency vehicles waiting on the runway, and fortunately, the co-pilot successfully took control of the aircraft. The passenger, who wished to remain

anonymous, shared their account with the Manchester Evening News.

‌ They recalled that about two hours into the flight, cabin crew were serving drinks when they suddenly rushed to the front of the plane, where a person had collapsed. The passenger

remembered: "At first we thought this may of been a passenger as nothing much was being said other than the screams asking if anyone is medically trained, where a few passengers got up and

assisted the cabin crew."

A screen was then pulled across the front to block the incident from view, reports the Manchester Evening News.

A passenger on the flight recounted: "The following call was from the cabin crew to advise this was the captain/pilot who was seeking medical attention and has fell unwell and we again would

be further updated with what was going to happen," The passenger added: "At this point the passengers were starting to get rather worried and anxious including myself knowing that it was a

pilot and not the passenger."

Article continues below The situation escalated when the passengers were informed of an impending emergency landing. "The ride began to get very rough and scary and as we approached the

runway we were welcomed with lots of emergency services such as fire engines, police, and ambulances all lined along the runway."

The passenger described the turbulent descent: "We started to panic. I got upset once I felt how rocky and rough the landing was and started to panic thinking it was the end. Another

passenger began to have a panic attack and was given an oxygen mask to help."

After the co-pilot successfully landed the plane, he received hearty congratulations from the relieved passengers and crew before they disembarked at Athens airport.

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Some passengers ended up sleeping on the airport floor until they were informed that hotel arrangements were being made. "We could have waited up to 2 hours for a free coach or start making

our own way but have to pay each trip ourselves," the passenger explained.

"As you can imagine everyone is extremely tired at this point and everyone started to gather outside booking taxis."

‌ The passengers on board an EasyJet flight sung praises for the crew following an unexpected detour, with one saying: "I'm just so glad we had fantastic cabin crew on board and the co-pilot

landed us safely."

Unfortunately, those affected are now waiting in a hotel for a new flight to take them home. A representative from EasyJet communicated to Manchester Evening News, stating: "easyJet can

confirm that flight EZY2252 from Hurghada to Manchester yesterday evening was diverted to Athens due to the Captain requiring medical assistance. The First Officer performed a routine

landing in accordance with standard operating procedures and the aircraft was met by paramedics on arrival in Athens."

They added: "As a result the onward flight was delayed overnight and passengers will continue their journey to Manchester today. We did all possible to minimise the impact of the disruption

and arranged hotel rooms and meals where available."

Article continues below Furthermore, the spokesperson expressed the airline's apology for the inconvenience faced by the passengers and expressed gratitude for their patience and

understanding.