EasyJet diverted back to UK 30mins after take off due to 'extraordinary circumstance'

An EasyJet flight bound for Spain was diverted back to UK just half an hour after take off due to "extraordinary circumstances". The flight took off as normal at 6pm from Manchester Airport to Alicante.

However, it was forced to make an emergency U-turn over the English Channel and was rerouted back to London Gatwick. The plane transmitted an emergency code 30 minutes into the journey to indicate that there was an in-flight emergency. Holidaymakers onboard the flight were told the plane had to perform the emergency manoeuvre because of "extraordinary circumstances".

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft's path heading south over Birmingham and the southern coastline before circling back over the English Channel.

Eventually, the jet landed at London Gatwick airport at 7.55pm.

The airline has since apologised for the disruption, which it said was due to a passenger welfare issue on board.

"We're very sorry that your flight has now been diverted to London Gatwick airport," it said in an update.

The statement added: "This is due to a passenger welfare issue.

"The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance."

While holidaymakers on board the flight were hit by a major delay in their journey, they were able to board a second flight which was scheduled to go from Gatwick to Alicante at 9pm on Wednesday.

Earlier this year a disruptive airline passenger caused chaos on an easyJet flight from Birmingham to Tenerife by urinating in the aisle. This led to a mid-air emergency, and the crew requested urgent police assistance upon landing after other passengers became "abusive".

The incident occurred on flight EZY6607 on July 2. Air traffic control granted the plane priority landing at Tenerife South Airport, where it arrived just before 3.30am. The Canarian Weekly reported that the easyJet crew had called for "urgent assistance" due to a"mid-flight emergency" and a significant disturbance onboard.