EasyJet flight from London Gatwick to Scotland declares mid-air passenger emergency

The flight was met by paramedics upon arrival (Image: Martin Shields)

AN easyJet flight from London Gatwick to Glasgow Airport had to declare an emergency due to a passenger needing urgent medical assistance.

Flight EZY861, operated by an Airbus A319, requested priority landing into Glasgow on Monday morning at around 9m after the aircraft’s pilot issued a squawk 7700 code.

It is understood the emergency alert was sent by the easyJet flight five minutes before it was due to land at the Scottish airport.

The squawk code issued by the pilot is reserved for emergencies and immediately alerts Air Traffic Control and other units that the aircraft squawking 7700 is in distress.

It also means flights that issue the emergency code are prioritised by nearby Air Traffic Control for landings.

EasyJet has since confirmed the emergency alert was due to a passenger needing urgent medical assistance onboard.

The flight was met by paramedics upon arrival.

(Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for easyJet told The Herald: “Flight EZY861 from London Gatwick to Glasgow requested priority landing into Glasgow due to a customer requiring urgent medical assistance onboard. The flight was met by paramedics upon arrival.

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority.”