An EasyJet flight from Egypt to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing in Athens after the captain collapsed during the journey.
The incident occurred on the flight from Hurghada when one of the pilots suffered a medical emergency approximately two hours into the flight.
The co-pilot successfully landed the aircraft after circling Athens airport, where emergency services were waiting on the runway.
One passenger said that cabin crew had been serving drinks when they suddenly rushed to the front of the plane where a man had collapsed.
The flight crew made an urgent call for any medically trained passengers to assist, before revealing that the captain had fallen ill.
"At first we thought this may of been a passenger as nothing much was being said other than the screams asking if anyone is medically trained, where a few passengers got up and assisted the cabin crew," the unnamed passenger told Manchester Evening News.
The easyJet flight from Egypt was forced to divert to Athens
PAA screen was pulled across the front of the aircraft to obscure the incident from view.
"The following call was from the cabin crew to advise this was the captain/pilot who was seeking medical attention and has fell unwell and we again would be further updated with what was going to happen," the passenger said.
The situation caused significant anxiety among those on board.
"At this point the passengers were starting to get rather worried and anxious including myself knowing that it was a pilot and not the passenger," the witness added.
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The flight was bound for Manchester Airport (file pic)
GettyThe flight crew then announced they would need to make an emergency landing.
The landing proved to be particularly challenging, according to passenger accounts.
"We started to panic. I got upset once I felt how rocky and rough the landing was and started to panic thinking it was the end," the passenger told Manchester Evening News.
Another passenger experienced a panic attack during the landing and required oxygen.
Emergency services, including fire engines, police and ambulances, lined the runway as the aircraft approached Athens airport.
Despite the difficult circumstances, passengers and crew praised the co-pilot's actions.
"I'm just so glad we had fantastic cabin crew on board and the co-pilot landed us safely," the passenger said.
The First Officer performed what EasyJet described as "a routine landing in accordance with standard operating procedures."
Following the emergency landing, passengers were initially left stranded at Athens airport, with some sleeping on the floor.
The airline later arranged hotel accommodation, though passengers faced a choice between waiting up to two hours for free transport or paying for their own taxis.
EasyJet confirmed that passengers would continue their journey to Manchester today.
"We did all possible to minimise the impact of the disruption and arranged hotel rooms and meals where available," an EasyJet spokesperson said.
"We would like to apologise to passengers for the inconvenience caused and thank them for their patience and understanding."
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