An easyJet flight leaving Portugal for Glasgow was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after take-off - after the pilots were reportedly told an engine had caught fire.
Flight EZY29FE from Faro to Glasgow took off at around 9.33pm Portugal time on Monday - but around five minutes later issued a code 7700 'squawk' to signify an emergency on-board. The pilots are reported to have switched off the engine before preparing to make a rapid descent.
It then spent 20 minutes in the air burning off fuel before returning to Faro airport, where it was met by dozens of emergency vehicles. Portuguese news wire Lusa reports that 34 vehicles were sent onto the runway to assist around 190 people off of the aircraft.
Air monitoring services on social media had suggested that the plane - an Airbus A320 - had reported an engine fire. However, firefighters are reported to have inspected the jet after it returned to a hangar in Faro and found no evidence of combustion.
It is believed that a faulty sensor was responsible for the landing. An easyJet spokesperson told the Record that passenger safety remained its "highest priority" - adding that everyone was able to board a replacement aircraft last night.
They said: "easyJet can confirm that flight EZY6844 from Faro to Glasgow returned to Faro due to a technical issue. The aircraft landed safely and was met by emergency services as a routine and precautionary measure. Once the aircraft was at its stand all passengers disembarked normally.
“A replacement crew and aircraft has been arranged and passengers continued their journey to Glasgow yesterday evening. The safety of its passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines.”
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