Jet2 emergency touchdown after ‘pilot’s coronary heart assault’ mid-flight has employees in tears
Jet2 flight LS1266 from Tenerife to Birmingham was diverted to Porto for an emergency landing after the pilot suffered a suspected heart attack mid-flight, leaving 220 passengers stranded for over 13 hours
The airline shared the news earlier this week(Image: Getty )
Britons aboard a Jet2 flight were left shaken when their aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing after the pilot suffered a suspected heart attack.
Flight LS1266 was en route from Tenerife to Birmingham when travellers began spotting alarming signs. Flight attendants were spotted rushing through the cabin in tears, with 220 passengers on board, and were heard asking whether any travellers had medical training.
There was also a sudden drop in altitude as the aircraft diverted to an unplanned landing in Porto, with the plane’s first officer taking control. “We were awoken by chaos,” one witness told The Sun, explaining that both they and their partner had been sleeping when things started going wrong.
“Lights began flashing and hostesses who were visibly upset, seeking a doctor.”, reports the Mirror.
“Our two-year-old began crying like many other children onboard because the aircraft was dropping so quickly for an emergency landing.”
Video footage revealed how the aircraft, after touching down successfully in Porto at 2.11am on Friday, was swiftly met by emergency services who tended to the pilot.
“We were stranded in Portugal for over 13 hours without accommodation,” a passenger revealed. “They wouldn’t let us off the plane itself for over an hour. Then we were just left to wander around.
“There was nowhere to stay. They said accommodation was too expensive.”
The passenger added they had “full sympathy” for the pilot. A pilot was dispatched by Jet2 from Manchester to Porto to assist in their return. Passengers were informed they could opt for a free switch onto a Jet2 flight heading to any of 14 UK destinations over the following week.
Jet2 reportedly stated: “Flight LS1266 from Tenerife to Birmingham diverted to Porto on Thursday (21st May), due to one of the pilots feeling unwell.
“At no point was safety compromised, and customers subsequently continued their journey. We would like to apologise to customers for this unforeseen delay.”
