EasyJet flight makes sudden diversion to London after mid-air emergency declared

EasyJet flight makes sudden diversion to London after 'welfare issue' in mid-airEasyJet flight EZY3201 from Edinburgh to Tenerife was diverted to London due to a 'welfare issue'NewsStephen Bark Reporter and Eliana Nunes News Reporter21:17, 22 Apr 2026Updated 21:33, 22 Apr 2026View ImageAn easyJet flight from Edinburgh to Tenerife was diverted to London (file)(Image: Loic VENANCE / AFP via Getty Images)An easyJet flight from Edinburgh to the Canary Islands has been diverted to London due to a "welfare issue" on board.‌Flight EZY3201, bound for Tenerife, departed Edinburgh Airport at 3.35pm on Wednesday. The Airbus A320 was scheduled to land in Tenerife South Airport at around 8.05pm, but was forced to divert to Gatwick Airport following the incident. Data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft travelling southwest at around 35,000ft over Brittany in north-west France before turning northeast and heading to London, where it landed safely at Gatwick Airport shortly after 5.30pm, the Daily Record reports.‌easyJet has said that the flight was diverted due to a "welfare issue" but no further details have been shared by the airline. Despite the issue, it is understood the flight crew did not transmit a squawk 7700 code - the international code for a general emergency.Article continues belowUpdating customers online, easyJet said: "We’re very sorry that your flight has now been diverted. This is due to a welfare issue. The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance. We plan to refuel and continue your flight as soon as possible. Your crew will keep you up to date."Following the diversion, the flight is expected to leave London at around 9.45pm to continue on the way to Tenerife, where it is due to arrive at around 2.30am.