EasyJet flight to Gatwick makes emergency landing
A passenger on an EasyJet flight which was forced to make an emergency landing after the captain smelt burning in the cockpit has praised the crew for the way they handled the crisis.
Flight EZY8704 from Tenerife South to Gatwick diverted to the remote island of Porto Santo an hour into its three-hour flight.
The captain had reportedly smelt burning in the cockpit of the Airbus A320, which was carrying 167 passengers and six crew.
He landed safely on the island of Porto Santo in the Atlantic, and passengers were able to disembark using the steps.
An easyJet spokesman told the Mirror: "easyJet can confirm that flight EZY8704 from Tenerife South to London Gatwick on 24 May 2016, diverted to Porto Santo due to a technical issue.
"The aircraft landed safely and once at its stand all passengers disembarked normally.
"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."
Afterwards, passenger Robert Staras tweeted: "@easyjet: want to say a big thank you to the pilot and staff of EZY8704 they was amazing. Also Celine who looked after us in Porto santo."
EasyJet said that as the airport didn’t have restaurant facilities available, passengers were bussed to a nearby hotel and provided with refreshments while they waited for a replacement aircraft to fly them home.
"EasyJet would like to thank passengers for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience caused by this delay," the airline added.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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