NewsFlash Daily™
24 May 
Jet2 flight carrying 220 passengers makes emergency landing in Portugal after pilot suffers heart attack at 30,000 feet
New Delhi: Panic unfolded aboard a Jet2 flight traveling from Tenerife, Spain, to Birmingham, United Kingdom, after the pilot reportedly suffered a heart attack while the aircraft was flying at nearly 30,000 feet. The terrifying mid-air medical emergency forced the flight to make an emergency diversion to Porto Airport in Portugal, where the aircraft landed safely.
The incident involved Jet2 flight LS1266, which was carrying around 220 passengers when the pilot’s health suddenly deteriorated during the journey. According to passengers onboard, the aircraft began descending rapidly while cabin crew members appeared visibly distressed, triggering fear and confusion inside the flight cabin.
Passengers revealed that the atmosphere turned chaotic after emergency announcements were made over the intercom asking whether any traveler onboard had medical training or experience in providing first aid related to cardiac emergencies.
Mid Air Medical Emergency Creates Fear Inside Jet2 Flight
Eyewitness accounts from passengers described emotional scenes inside the aircraft as cabin crew members rushed through the aisles while trying to manage the unfolding emergency situation. Some passengers claimed flight attendants were seen crying as panic spread among travellers.
The cabin lights reportedly flickered during the emergency descent, further increasing anxiety among passengers. Several travellers who had been asleep woke up in fear as the aircraft started descending at high speed toward Portugal.
Children on board allegedly began crying as the sudden manoeuvre and tense environment created uncertainty among passengers travelling on the international flight.
“The crew asked repeatedly if any passenger had medical experience or could assist during the emergency,” passengers recalled after landing safely.
Co-Pilot Takes Control During Emergency Landing in Portugal
Following the pilot’s medical emergency, the co-pilot immediately assumed control of the aircraft and coordinated an emergency diversion to Porto Airport in Portugal. Aviation officials stated that the co-pilot acted quickly and professionally to ensure passenger safety during the critical situation.
The aircraft made a safe emergency landing at Porto, where emergency medical teams were already waiting on the runway. Medical personnel boarded the aircraft immediately after landing and rushed the pilot to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Despite the alarming situation, all passengers onboard remained safe and no injuries among travellers were reported during the emergency landing operation.
Passengers Raise Concerns Over Post-Landing Arrangements
Although the flight landed safely, several passengers later complained about the handling of the situation after arrival in Porto. Travellers alleged that they were kept inside the aircraft for more than an hour after landing and claimed that proper accommodation and assistance were not immediately provided.
Some passengers expressed frustration over the delay in communication regarding onward travel arrangements and emergency support.
Jet2 Airlines Issues Statement After Flight Diversion
Responding to the incident, Jet2 confirmed that the aircraft had been diverted due to the pilot becoming unwell during the flight.
The airline emphasised that passenger safety was never compromised and apologised for the inconvenience caused due to the unexpected emergency and resulting delay.
