A Jet2 aircraft traveling from the UK to Spain experienced an emergency situation when a baby became unwell during the flight. Air traffic controllers prioritized the plane’s landing upon being informed of the infant’s breathing difficulties. This incident occurred shortly after a previous scare involving Jet2 passengers on a flight from Bournemouth to Gran Canaria being redirected to Faro in the Algarve due to reported “smoke in the cabin.”
The incident took place on Jet2 flight EXS2V from London Stansted to Tenerife South. Spanish air traffic controllers were alerted to the situation just before the plane’s arrival, stating that the flight crew required priority assistance for a baby with respiratory issues. They coordinated with ground medical staff at the airport to ensure prompt medical attention, wishing the child a speedy recovery.
The aircraft landed approximately nine minutes ahead of schedule around 2:20 pm the following day. Details regarding whether the baby was taken to the hospital upon landing and the current condition of the child remain unclear.
Following the diversion of the Bournemouth flight, a ‘red code alert’ was activated at Faro Airport, with emergency vehicles responding to the situation. Fortunately, the plane landed safely despite the initial concerns about smoke in the cabin. The Jet2 Flight LS3643, which had departed from Bournemouth, was rerouted to Faro and landed at around 12:25 pm local time. The Boeing 747 carried over 140 passengers.
A Jet2 spokesperson confirmed that the decision to divert the Bournemouth flight to Faro was precautionary after an odor was detected in the cabin, emphasizing that safety was never compromised, and the landing was safe. Passengers were assured that a standby aircraft would transport them from Faro to Gran Canaria, with apologies extended for any inconvenience caused.
