Co-Pilot Hospitalized After Fainting on easyJet Flight to Lisbon

An easyJet co-pilot was hospitalized after fainting during flight EZY2459 from London Luton to Lisbon on Saturday, July 27. The Airbus A320, carrying 193 passengers, was met by paramedics upon landing at Lisbon Airport, where the first officer was taken to Santa Maria Hospital for treatment. A rare 'red alert' was issued, halting operations as a precautionary measure during the medical incident. Despite the situation, the flight landed safely and in accordance with standard procedures, ensuring the safety of all onboard. An easyJet spokesperson confirmed that the captain managed the landing without compromising safety, emphasizing that the welfare of passengers and crew remains the airline's top priority. Passengers on the return flight to London experienced a delay of approximately three hours due to the incident. This occurrence is not isolated, as there have been previous instances of pilots falling ill mid-flight. In October, both the captain and co-pilot of a British Airways flight reported feeling unwell after detecting a foul odor at 30,000 feet. They successfully landed at Heathrow, where they were assessed by medical staff and subsequently taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation treatment. The incident highlights the importance of safety protocols in aviation, particularly the requirement for two pilots in the cockpit during commercial flights to ensure operational safety in emergencies.