The easyJet flight to Alicante took off from Manchester Airport just after 6pm on Wednesday but was forced to turn around and divert to another UK airport
An easyJet aircraft departing from Manchester Airport was forced to make an unexpected diversion this evening.
The Alicante-bound service departed shortly after 6pm before the captain made the decision to turn back over the English Channel just half an hour into the journey following an onboard emergency.
The plane was subsequently rerouted and touched down at London Gatwick airport.
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Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 revealed the aircraft’s path heading south over Birmingham and the southern coastline before circling back over the English Channel, reports the Manchester Evening News.
In a statement posted online, easyJet issued an apology for the inconvenience and confirmed the diversion was necessary due to a passenger welfare matter aboard the flight.
The airline’s statement explained: “We’re very sorry that your flight has now been diverted to London Gatwick airportThis is due to a passenger welfare issue. The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance.”
A replacement service from Gatwick was subsequently arranged to complete the journey to Alicante, scheduled for approximately 9pm on Wednesday.
It comes after passengers at Manchester Airport faced delays and cancellations after two easyJet planes “clipped wings” on a runway early on Friday – which forced the airport to stop flights as a precaution.
The two easyJet planes involved in the incident on August 16 did not depart Manchester following the incident, with alternative arrangements made for those affected. An easyJet spokesman said: “EasyJet can confirm that the wing tips of two aircraft came into contact whilst taxiing to the runway at Manchester Airport this morning.
“The aircraft returned to stand to disembark customers who have been provided with refreshment vouchers whilst replacement aircraft are arranged to operate the flights. We apologise to customers for the delay to their flights. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority.”
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