MANCHESTER— An easyJet flight departing from Manchester Airport (MAN) declared a mid-air emergency shortly after take-off on Thursday (May 21, 2026), forcing the aircraft to abandon its climb and return to the airport.
The flight had been operating from Manchester to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) in Egypt when the crew transmitted a Squawk 7700 emergency code.
The aircraft involved was an Airbus A320neo operating as flight U22253 for easyJet (U2). Flight tracking data showed the jet halted its climb at approximately 3,700 feet before circling back toward Manchester.
The aircraft later completed a precautionary landing without further incident.
U22253’s Emergency Return
According to flight tracking information, the aircraft declared the emergency only minutes after departing Manchester. The jet stopped climbing shortly after take-off, a sign that the flight crew had begun assessing an onboard issue before deciding to return.
Pilots transmitted the internationally recognized Squawk 7700 code through the aircraft’s transponder system. Air traffic controllers use this code to identify a general emergency and prioritize assistance for the affected aircraft.
After declaring the emergency, the crew reportedly completed operational and safety checklists before initiating the return. Emergency vehicles and airport fire crews remained on standby as the aircraft approached the runway.
Medical Incident aboard easyJet’s A320
The airline later confirmed that the diversion resulted from a medical emergency involving a passenger onboard. Medical personnel met the aircraft immediately after landing at Manchester Airport.
An easyJet spokesperson said the passenger required urgent medical attention during the flight, Mirror flagged.
The airline added that the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew remained its highest priority throughout the incident.
Following the precautionary landing, the aircraft later resumed its journey to Sharm El Sheikh. No injuries to other passengers or crew members were reported.
Flight Details
The aircraft involved in the incident was registered as G-UZED, an Airbus A320neo delivered to easyJet in late 2024.
The narrowbody aircraft features a high-density all-economy layout and is commonly used on medium-haul leisure routes across Europe and North Africa.
The Airbus A320neo family remains one of the world’s most widely used short- and medium-haul aircraft types. Depending on airline configuration, the aircraft can typically accommodate between 150 and 186 passengers.
The incident comes amid several recent emergency diversions involving European carriers.
Aviation experts note that medical emergencies remain one of the most common reasons for unscheduled returns shortly after departure, particularly on longer international leisure flights.
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
