Manchester, United Kingdom: A Jet2 passenger aircraft declared a mid-air emergency during its approach to Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening after one of the pilots became incapacitated due to a medical issue.
The aircraft, Flight LS980, an Airbus A321 bound from Lanzarote, Canary Islands to Manchester, transmitted a Squawk 7700 general emergency code, the international radio transponder signal indicating a critical in-flight emergency approximately 25 minutes before its scheduled landing.
Flight data and reports indicate the Airbus A321 departed Lanzarote at about 15:45 GMT and initially progressed normally until the final stage of descent toward Manchester Airport. It was during this approach phase that the cockpit crew informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) that one pilot was unable to continue due to a sudden medical problem.
In response, ATC provided priority handling and clearance for landing, while emergency services including fire, rescue and medical teams were placed on standby at the airport.
Despite the sudden loss of one pilot, the remaining flight crew maintained control and continued the descent. The aircraft touched down safely on Runway 05L at Manchester Airport at approximately 20:14 GMT.
Once on the ground, the incapacitated pilot was met by waiting medical personnel and taken for further assessment. There have been no reported injuries among passengers or cabin crew, and disembarkation occurred in a routine and orderly manner, according to airline and airport representatives.
A Jet2 spokesperson told GB News the carrier had requested a priority landing after one of the pilots “felt unwell,” adding: “The aircraft landed safely and customers disembarked as normal.”
Commercial jetliners such as the Airbus A321 typically operate with a captain and first officer. In the event one pilot becomes incapacitated, industry training and procedures direct the remaining qualified pilot to assume full control of the aircraft. Such protocols, regularly practiced in simulators, are designed to maintain safety during critical phases such as approach and landing.
The use of Squawk 7700 ensures ATC and emergency services are rapidly made aware of in-flight emergencies so they can provide priority routing and ground support.
Manchester Airport, one of Jet2’s principal UK hubs, confirmed that emergency equipment and teams were ready at the runway in anticipation of the flight’s arrival, reflecting standard safety protocol for declared emergencies.
