A Jet2 flight from Manchester to Madeira was forced to divert to Porto, Portugal, on Monday after one of the pilots fell ill at the controls. The airline confirmed the diversion was a precautionary measure and that a replacement aircraft and crew were dispatched to take passengers to their original destination, Funchal.
According to passenger reports, a Jet2 pilot who was on holiday as a passenger stepped forward to assist in the cockpit. Nicholas Banks, a passenger on the flight, told MailOnline that the holidaying pilot offered his services and remained in the cabin until after landing, helping the unwell pilot off the plane. The affected pilot was reportedly taken off in a wheelchair with an oxygen mask.
A Jet2 spokeswoman stated: 'Flight LS765 from Manchester to Funchal diverted to Porto as a precautionary measure this morning, due to one of the pilots feeling unwell. A standby aircraft and replacement crew have been flown to Porto so that we can get customers on their way to Funchal as soon as possible.' The airline apologised to passengers via Twitter but provided no update on the pilot's condition.
