A Ryanair flight from Portugal to Exeter was forced to divert to Birmingham on Wednesday evening after the pilot announced a problem with the aircraft.
Flight FR8030, which departed from Faro in the Algarve region, was scheduled to land at Exeter Airport at 6.55pm but was rerouted to Birmingham.
Passenger describes tense moments
Passenger Davina, speaking to Devon Live, said the pilot initially announced the plane would land in five minutes, but then the aircraft climbed and circled several times. She added: "Then an announcement was made that due to a problem with the aircraft, we needed a longer runway and we were being diverted to Birmingham. The pilot and cabin crew were very professional and helpful, but tensions were very high."
Possible emergency code and landing
The cause of the diversion is unclear, though a flight spotting community on social media suggested a squawked 7700 alert, an emergency code indicating a critical situation to air traffic control. Flight tracking data shows the aircraft passed over Exeter, performed a circuit, and then proceeded north to Birmingham, where it landed safely.
Upon landing, emergency vehicles with flashing blue lights were positioned alongside the aircraft. Photographs from Birmingham show personnel examining the wing on the tarmac.
Passengers transported to Exeter
Ryanair arranged coaches to take passengers from Birmingham to Exeter. In a statement, Ryanair said it was "forced to divert [the] flight to Birmingham" but did not specify the reason. Both Ryanair and Exeter Airport have been approached for further comment.
