A Jet2 flight from Tenerife was forced to make an emergency landing in Porto after the pilot suffered a suspected heart attack
Passengers aboard a Jet2 flight were left alarmed when their aircraft was forced into an emergency landing following the pilot’s suspected heart attack.
Flight LS1266 was heading from Tenerife to Birmingham, when passengers began noticing some worrying signs. Flight attendants were spotted rushing down the aisle in tears, with 220 passengers onboard, while asking whether anyone had medical training.
The aircraft also experienced an abrupt descent as it diverted to an unplanned landing in Porto, with the plane’s first officer taking command of the controls.
“We were awoken by chaos,” one witness told The Sun, explaining that both they and their partner had been asleep when the incident unfolded.
“Lights began flashing and hostesses who were visibly upset, seeking a doctor.
“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, following a safe landing in Porto at 2.11am on Friday, was swiftly met by emergency personnel who treated 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 noted they had “full sympathy” for the pilot. A pilot was transported by Jet2 from Manchester to Porto to assist in getting them home. Travellers were informed they could receive a complimentary change onto a Jet2 service heading to any of 14 UK destinations within the following week.
Jet2 reportedly said: “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.”
The Mirror has approached Jet2 for further comment.
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