EasyJet flight to Alicante suddenly diverts after 'extraordinary' emergency

AneasyJet flight from a major UK airport suddenly had to divert just 30 minutes into its journey due to an "extraordinary" emergency on board.

The flight from Manchester Airport to Alicante jetted off shortly after 6pm this evening before the pilot turned around over the English Channel just 30 minutes later. The aircraft was later diverted and landed at London Gatwick airport.

The flight path, according to FlightRadar24, shows the aircraft travelling southwards over Birmingham and the south coast before looping over the English Channel. A second flight was scheduled to take holidaymakers to Alicante from Gatwick at 9pm on Wednesday.

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And in an update online, easyJet apologised for the disruption saying the diversion was carried out due to a passenger welfare issue on board. "We’re very sorry that your flight has now been diverted to London Gatwick airport," a statement read, reported the Manchester Evening News.

"This is due to a passenger welfare issue. The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance."

Meanwhile, earlier this month passengers at Manchester Airport faced delays and cancellations after two easyJet planes "clipped wings" on a runway early on Friday - which forced the airport to stop flights as a precaution.

Safety checks took place before flights were able to resume but flyers have been warned they could still face delays following the travel chaos. A shocking photo taken by a passenger on one of the two planes showed the wings after impact.

One flyer, who was due to travel to Marbella, said: "Just on the plane at Manchester Airport and another plane has just hit our wing and took the wing off."

The two easyJet planes involved in the incident on August 16 did not depart Manchester following the incident, with alternative arrangements made for those affected. An easyJet spokesman said: "EasyJet can confirm that the wing tips of two aircraft came into contact whilst taxiing to the runway at Manchester Airport this morning.

"The aircraft returned to stand to disembark customers who have been provided with refreshment vouchers whilst replacement aircraft are arranged to operate the flights. We apologise to customers for the delay to their flights. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority."

Some travellers who witnessed the collision on the runway took to social media to describe what they saw. One said: "Not the best start to the day for easyJet with two of their planes apparently colliding at Manchester Airport, half a wingtip missing from one!"