EasyJet flight forced into abrupt U-turn due to 'extraordinary circumstances'

30 September 2023 , 09:01

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An easyJet flight heading to Turkey was this morning diverted to Manchester (Image: PA)

An easyJet flight travelling from Liverpool to Antalya in Turkey has been forced to divert to Manchester Airport and make an emergency landing due to "extraordinary circumstances" this morning.

The 7.15am flight, which departed from John Lennon Airport in Liverpool, was due to land in Turkey at 11.40am UK time, but had to U-turn due to a bird strike. Flight tracking data shows the flight left on time, and headed east over Manchester, across the Pennines, and over Lincolnshire before making the U-turn over the water by The Wash near East Anglia.

On FlightRadar, the plane's status says "Diverted to MAN". "We're very sorry that your flight has now been diverted," easyJet said in a statement to passengers.

The flight's path shows it departed from Liverpool and landed in Manchester (flightradar24)

"This is due to a bird strike on your aircraft. The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance. Your crew will keep you up to date." Data shows the plane safely landed in Manchester at 8.23am on Saturday, two hours and 47 minutes early, and 1,948 miles from its intended destination, reports the Manchester Evening News.

It comes after an easyJet flight from London Stansted to Edinburgh was forced to land in Liverpool due to a "medical emergency". The EZY312 flight, from London Stansted, which departed at around 5.20pm on July 30, suddenly diverted to Liverpool John Lennon whilst flying over the Peak District. The flight path shows how the aircraft then turned and flew over Manchester before landing at Liverpool John Lennon airport shortly after 6pm. An easyJet spokesman confirmed that the plane had been diverted due to a "medical emergency".

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He told The Mirror: "We can confirm that flight EZY312 from London Stansted to Edinburgh this evening diverted to Liverpool due to a passenger onboard requiring urgent medical assistance. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority."

easyJet told The Mirror: "easyJet can confirm that flight EZY3411 from Liverpool to Antalya diverted to Manchester as a result of a bird strike. The Captain took the decision divert to Manchester purely as a precaution. The aircraft was inspected by engineers in line with our procedures and has since departed again.

"Whilst this is outside of easyJet’s control, we apologise for any inconvenience experienced and thank passengers for their patience and understanding. Safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew is always easyJet’s priority."

Ethan Davies