An easyJet flight to Morocco was forced to divert to Portugal after the pilot was injured midflight.
Flight EY2213 / U22213 from London Luton to Agadir–Al Massira Airport made an emergency landing in Faro, Portugal on 10 April so the aircraft’s pilot could receive medical attention, according to Simple Flying.
Passengers were informed they would be diverting to Portugal about two hours into the three and a half hour flight due to an onboard emergency.
While the cause of the injury has not been revealed due to medical confidentiality, airport sources told the Daily Mail the senior officer had dislocated his shoulder.
“The First Officer landed the aircraft in line with standard operating procedures and the Captain was met by paramedics on arrival,” a spokesperson for easyJet told Simple Flying.
“At no point was the safety of those onboard compromised. Unfortunately, the diversion meant the crew reached their maximum legal operating hours and so the flight was delayed overnight and departed the following day.
“easyJet did everything possible to minimise the disruption for our passengers, providing hotel rooms and meals where required.”
The pilot was reportedly in too much pain to continue flying and has since been taken to hospital for treatment.
Another pilot for a major airline told the Daily Mail they had never heard of a captain dislocating a shoulder during a flight.
“Was he doing some gymnastics or exercise? It is just bizarre,” the pilot said.
Passengers on the flight were put up in a hotel overnight and continued their journey the following morning.
Featured image source: iStock/BrasilNut1
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