A Jet2 flight from Glasgow to Lanzarote was forced to divert approximately 600 miles from its destination after a general emergency was declared onboard. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 operating as flight LS167, departed Glasgow Airport at around 3:15 PM on Thursday, July 16, and was scheduled to arrive in Lanzarote at 7:50 PM.
Emergency Declaration and Diversion
Around three hours into the flight, the crew initiated the general emergency 7700 squawk procedure, signaling an urgent situation. The plane was then diverted to Faro Airport in southern Portugal. Data from flight tracking app FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft traveling south over the Atlantic Ocean along Portugal's western coast at approximately 37,000 feet, before making a sharp left turn and descending. After declaring the emergency, the flight turned north and landed in Faro at around 6:20 PM.
Medical Emergency Onboard
It is understood that the diversion was due to a medical emergency onboard, allowing a passenger to receive medical treatment. The condition of the affected passenger is currently unknown. Following a stopover of about two hours in Faro, the flight departed Portugal at around 8 PM and arrived in Lanzarote at 9:35 PM.
Understanding the 7700 Squawk Code
The emergency response squawking 7700 indicates that a general emergency has been declared. This code can cover a range of scenarios, including technical or medical emergencies. The procedure enables air traffic controllers and ground crews to respond effectively to the situation. Jet2 was approached for comment by the Daily Record.
