An easyJet flight heading to London had to make an emergency landing and turn back to Portugal after a “red code” alert was triggered.
The flight, which was carrying 161 passengers, aborted its journey to Gatwick and landed again at Faro Airport just 44 minutes after take-off.
Shortly after leaving the tarmac, the aircraft hit a bird which triggered a “red code” alert, resulting in emergency response vehicles being mobilised – though the plane did land safely with no issues.
Passengers said that the engines “sounded very strange” and that the plane had been unable to gain altitude.
A spokesperson for budget airline said: “easyJet can confirm that flight EZY8538 from Faro to Lisbon was cancelled after returning to stand due to a birdstrike shortly after take-off.
“The pilot performed a routine landing in line with procedures and passengers disembarked normally in Faro where we have been providing assistance with alternative options as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them.
“Whilst this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank passengers for their understanding.”
Hours earlier, the co-pilot on another flight from London to Lisbon fainted onboard before being taken to hospital on arrival.
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Flight EZY8538’s route after take-off
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The pilot reportedly landed the easyJet aircraft, which was carrying 193 passengers, without any problems and his colleague was taken to Lisbon’s Santa Maria Hospital.
In a statement the company said: “The captain landed the flight routinely in line with procedures and passengers disembarked normally.”
It added: “At no point was the safety of the flight compromised.
“The safety and welfare of passengers and crew is EasyJet’s highest priority.”
The flight, which was carrying 161 passengers, aborted its journey to Gatwick
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Discussing the incident, retired Portuguese pilot Jose Correia Guedes said on social media: “Incapacitation cases are a plague of modern times.
“In 37 years of activity of TAP I have known only one case. Today it is a rare week that a plane does not make an emergency landing for this reason.
“What’s up? I suspect it’s extreme fatigue, the worst thing that can happen to an airline pilot.
“It also serves to remember that the idea of the single pilot cockpit leaves a lot to be desired. This is one of the most stressful professions on the planet.”