EasyJet flight makes emergency landing after pilot falls ill on flight from London as plane diverts nearly 500 miles

A PACKED easyJet flight was forced to make an emergency landing after the pilot fell ill.

The plane that took off from London Gatwick just after 6.30am this morning was heading to Agadir in Morocco but had to be diverted nearly 500 miles away.

The co-pilot is said to have landed the aircraft with 100 people on board to Faro in Portugal.

The flight was due to arrive at 9.25am local time.

Online flight trackers show the Airbus A320’s unscheduled stop following the mid-air alert.

A Faro airport source told Correio da Manha the diversion is the result of the pilot suffering an "indisposition."

It said a red alert had been activated and the co-pilot successfully landed the plane.

An EasyJet spokesperson said: "easyJet can confirm that flight EZY6469 from London Gatwick to Agadir on 21 April diverted to Faro due to the First Officer requiring medical assistance.

"The Captain performed a routine landing in accordance with standard operating procedures and the aircraft was met by medical services on arrival in Faro.

"A replacement crew was arranged and passengers have since continued their journey to Agadir.

"We apologise for any inconvenience experienced due to the diversion and resulting delay.”

"The safety and well-being of its passengers and crew is EasyJet's highest priority."

Last month TUI passengers were left "screaming with fear" after their plane was diverted due to strong winds.

The plane had been due to land at Manchester Airport at 8pm - and passengers were on the tarmac before they realised they were 70 miles away in Derby.