Emergency services were deployed to Manchester Airport on Wednesday night after an EasyJet flight from Alicante reported a technical issue with its on-board computer. The aircraft, flight EZY2016, landed safely and passengers disembarked normally, according to airport officials.
Greater Manchester Police and fire crews were placed on standby as a precaution. EasyJet confirmed the incident in a statement, saying: 'We can confirm that flight EZY2016 from Alicante to Manchester on 14 February was met by emergency services on arrival at Manchester as a precaution only, due to a minor technical issue. The captain performed a routine landing in line with procedures and passengers disembarked normally.'
The incident follows a separate near miss involving an EasyJet flight from Edinburgh to Geneva last November. The Airbus A320 Neo, carrying 157 passengers, descended to just 230 metres above Lake Geneva during its approach, significantly below the usual 700 metres. Swiss air traffic controllers intervened, instructing the pilots to 'check your altitude immediately'.
The Swiss Safety Investigation Services (SESE) confirmed the aircraft descended below the glide slope, prompting a go-around. EasyJet stated it is fully supporting the investigation and that safety was never compromised. A pilot and former air traffic controller suggested human error may have been a factor.
These incidents have raised concerns about flight safety protocols, though EasyJet maintains that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority.
