The flight was forced to divert to Gatwick.
The easyJet flight was forced to divert to the London airport. (Image: PA)
An easyJet flight from Edinburgh to Tenerife was forced to divert to the English capital due to a ‘welfare issue.’ Flight EZY3201 departed Edinburgh Airport at 3.35pm on Wednesday March 22.
The Airbus A320 was due to land at Tenerife South Airport at 8.05pm, but the plane suddenly diverted to Gatwick Airport after a welfare issue was raised on board. Data from flight tracking app FlightRadar24 shows the plane travelling southwest at around 35,000ft over Brittany in northwest France, the Daily Record reports.
It then turns northeast and heads towards Gatwick Airport in London where it landed safely shortly after 5.30pm. easyJet has said that the flight was diverted due to a “welfare issue” but no further details have been shared by the airline.
Despite the issue, it is understood that the flight crew did not initiate the general emergency 7700 squawk. Emergency response squawking 7700 means a general emergency has been declared.
It can cover a range of scenarios including a technical or medical emergency. The procedure allows air traffic controllers and ground crews to respond to the emergency in the most effective manner.
Updating customers online, easyJet said: “We’re very sorry that your flight has now been diverted. This is due to a welfare issue.
“The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance. We plan to refuel and continue your flight as soon as possible. Your crew will keep you up to date.”
Following the diversion, the flight is expected to leave London at around 9.45pm to continue on the way to Tenerife where it is due to arrive at around 2.30am.