EasyJet flight U28761, traveling from London Gatwick to Malta, made an unscheduled landing at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport in France on Monday, June 17th. The diversion was prompted by a medical emergency on board requiring urgent medical attention for a passenger. The flight, an Airbus A319 (Reg. G-EZFV), departed Gatwick with a delay due to air traffic control placing it in a departure queue.
.gif)
Approximately an hour into the flight, while cruising at high altitude (FL370), the crew declared an emergency and diverted to the nearest suitable airport. The aircraft landed safely at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport shortly after the declaration. Following the safe landing, passengers faced a wait in Lyon as easyJet arranged for a new crew to fly them onward to their original destination of Malta. The airline planned to dispatch a replacement crew from London Gatwick to operate the remaining leg.
Initial reports indicated a new departure from Lyon was scheduled for 5:15 pm local time. However, the flight ultimately did not depart as planned for reasons that remain undisclosed. EasyJet has not yet provided an update on the revised departure time or the status of the passenger requiring medical attention. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of a well-rehearsed response to medical emergencies on board aircraft.
The crew's swift action in diverting the flight ensured the passenger received prompt medical attention. However, the wait for a replacement crew highlights the logistical challenges airlines face when unexpected events disrupt flight schedules. Passengers on board the diverted flight can expect to receive updates from easyJet regarding the revised departure time and any further developments.