MANCHESTER- A Jet2 (LS) flight arriving in Manchester declared an emergency after a pilot became incapacitated during final approach, prompting immediate ATC support and priority landing.
The aircraft completed a safe landing with emergency crews on standby after departing Lanzarote earlier that evening without prior incident.
Jet2 Pilot Incapacitated
Jet2 flight LS980, operated by an Airbus A321 registered as G-SUNU, departed Lanzarote at 15:45 WET and initially proceeded normally toward the United Kingdom.
Approximately 25 minutes before the scheduled arrival in Manchester, the cockpit crew reported that one pilot became medically incapacitated. The remaining crew declared a general emergency by transmitting Squawk 7700, allowing Air Traffic Control to provide immediate priority handling.
Manchester ATC cleared the aircraft for direct approach, ensuring minimal delay while coordinating emergency readiness on the ground. Despite operating with reduced cockpit capability, the remaining pilot maintained full control and continued the descent safely.
The aircraft landed on Runway 05L at 20:14 GMT, about four and a half hours after departure. The landing occurred without further complications, AIRLIVE reported.
Emergency Services Response on Arrival
As a precaution, airport fire and rescue teams, along with medical personnel, were positioned near the runway before landing. Such responses are standard protocol whenever an emergency squawk is declared.
After vacating the runway, the aircraft taxied normally to its assigned stand, where medical teams attended to the incapacitated pilot. Passenger disembarkation proceeded routinely, and no injuries among passengers or cabin crew were reported.
Jet2 has not released details regarding the pilot’s medical condition. However, airline procedures and crew training ensured operational continuity and passenger safety throughout the event.
Similar Incident
A Ryanair flight bound for Romania landed safely after the first officer became incapacitated during descent, prompting an emergency declaration.
The captain escalated from PAN-PAN to MAYDAY when the first officer lost consciousness, allowing priority landing and immediate medical response on arrival.
Ryanair Flight Emergency Diversion to Cluj
Ryanair flight FR2682, operated by a Boeing 737-800 registered EI-DPJ, departed Bergamo Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY), Italy, for Cluj-Napoca International Airport (CLJ), Romania, when the first officer reported feeling unwell during descent.
Air traffic control recordings show the captain initially declared a PAN-PAN call, indicating an urgent situation that was not immediately life threatening. Within minutes, the condition worsened and the first officer became unresponsive, forcing the captain to upgrade the call to MAYDAY due to pilot incapacitation.
ATC cleared the aircraft for immediate landing on Runway 25 and ensured emergency medical services were positioned before arrival. The captain continued the approach alone, maintaining safe aircraft control under established emergency procedures.
After landing, the aircraft stopped on the runway to allow rapid access for medical personnel. Both engines were shut down while fire and rescue teams boarded to assist the unconscious first officer.
Ground Response and Medical Assistance
Emergency teams reached the aircraft shortly after arrival. Medical staff treated the first officer onboard before transferring her to an ambulance for hospital evaluation.
Reports indicate she regained consciousness approximately five minutes after landing but remained weak. Authorities decided hospital treatment was necessary for further checks.
The aircraft remained on the runway for around 50 minutes while medical operations concluded and ground coordination continued. It was later towed to a parking stand, allowing passengers to disembark normally without injuries.
ATC Coordination Ensured Safe Outcome
Air traffic controllers maintained steady communication with the captain throughout the emergency. Controllers provided immediate landing clearance, coordinated rescue vehicles, and ensured the runway remained clear for priority operations.
Recorded communications show clear coordination between cockpit and ground teams regarding engine shutdown, door opening, and medical team access. This coordination helped minimize response time during the critical period.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
