The Ryanair flight from Glasgow Prestwick was due to land in Murcia but was diverted to London Stansted after a passenger fell illZahra Khaliq News Reporter and Kirstie McCrum Deputy Head of News, Live News Network

18:08, 11 May 2026

A Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 passenger aircraft operated by Ryanair prepares to land at Liverpool John Lennon Airport in Liverpool, north west England on April 22, 2026. The EU unveiled on April 22 plans to address the energy crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East, including improved monitoring of jet fuel supplies as the prospect of shortages rattles Europe ahead of the summer travel season. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

The flight was diverted mid-air (file photo)(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

A Ryanair aircraft heading to Spain was compelled to return to the UK after declaring an in-flight emergency.

Flight FR7842 took off from Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) at approximately 7.30am this morning and was due for a standard journey to Murcia (RMU), having climbed to an altitude of 35,000 feet.

Roughly an hour into the flight, crew members issued a Squawk 7700 code – the international indicator for a general emergency – following a passenger falling ill.

The aircraft was redirected over the English Channel and proceeded towards Stansted Airport, where it touched down safely at 9.10am. The passenger was subsequently removed from the plane and attended to by medical personnel.

The flight had originally been scheduled to arrive in Spain at approximately 11.50am, reports the Mirror.

Flight tracking information revealed the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft executing a sharp U-turn back over the English Channel.

A Ryanair spokesperson stated: “This flight from Glasgow Prestwick to Murcia International diverted to London Stansted after a passenger became ill on board.

“Crew called ahead for medical assistance to meet the aircraft upon landing at London Stansted Airport. The passenger was disembarked and was met by medics.”