Scots plane lands with captain ill ‘in TOILET’ as crew issues mid-air emergency
AN easyJet flight to Scotland was forced to make an emergency landing - after the captain fell ILL on approach.
The pilot started to feel unwell while the easyJet EZY6938 flight was approaching Edinburgh in the early hours of this morning.
The plane was flying from Heraklion - the largest city on the Greek island of Crete - to the Scottish capital.
But it issued a Live Squawk 700 alert as it was nearing Edinburgh, requesting an expedited landing into the capital.
The first officer took over the plane and managed to land it safely at around 1.20am after the captain was seen entering the toilet.
It is believed that they did not come back out and remained in there for the duration of the flight.
easyJet have confirmed the first officer landed the plane, however did not confirm the claims the pilot remained in the toilet until landing.
A passenger told the Scottish Sun the first officer announced over the tannoy system that the captain had taken ill.
They added that emergency crews scrambled to the airport after they landed.
The passenger said: ";The captain had been seen going into the toilet and not coming out.
"The plane was met on the runway by five fire engines and two ambulances and after landing.
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"The very young looking co-pilot announced on the tannoy that the emergency response was due to the captain taking ill.
"It is unknown if the captain returned to cockpit for landing, but he was not seen to do so."
The passenger, who didn't want to be named, also told the Scottish Sun: "When they left the plane the co-pilot said they had been on duty 13 hours.
"On departing Edinburgh for Crete, the plane had pushed back from the stand and sat there for 45 minutes waiting for airways clearance prior to taking off.
"And the same happened on the return flight to Edinburgh from Crete."
An easyJet spokesperson said: "easyJet can confirm that flight EZY6938 from Heraklion to Edinburgh on 12 June requested an expediated landing due to the Captain becoming unwell while on approach to Edinburgh.
“The First Officer landed the aircraft in line with standard operating procedures and the Captain was met by paramedics on arrival as a precaution.
“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority".
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Edinburgh Airport has been approached for comment.
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