An EasyJet flight en route from Hurghada, Egypt, to Manchester, England, was compelled to make an emergency landing in Athens, Greece, after the pilot suffered a medical emergency mid-flight on Saturday, February 8. The first officer assumed control and diverted the aircraft, executing a safe landing in accordance with standard operational procedures. Passengers were accommodated in hotels overnight and continued their journey the following day. EasyJet issued an apology for the inconvenience and expressed gratitude for the passengers’ patience and understanding.
One passenger recounted moments of panic on board as the crew sought individuals with medical training, describing the landing as “hard and terrifying.” Subsequently, passengers commended the co-pilot for achieving a safe landing under challenging circumstances.
This incident underscores the critical importance of having two qualified pilots on board, ensuring that one can take over in case the other becomes incapacitated. The aviation industry continues to emphasize the necessity of dual-pilot operations to maintain safety standards.