On Feb 17th 2026, an easyJet Airbus A320-200N, registration G-UZLW, declared an emergency while descending into Manchester after the first officer became incapacitated.
Flight U2-2268 had departed Gibraltar for Manchester and was in the descent phase when the captain informed air traffic control of the situation. With the first officer unable to continue duties, the captain assumed sole control of the aircraft and declared an emergency to ensure priority handling and assistance upon arrival.
The aircraft continued toward Manchester and landed safely on runway 05L approximately 18 minutes after the emergency declaration. Emergency services were positioned as a precaution.
Commercial airline crews are trained extensively for pilot incapacitation scenarios, including procedures for single-pilot operations in critical phases of flight. Standard protocols ensure that the remaining pilot can safely manage the aircraft while coordinating with cabin crew and air traffic control.
The flight concluded without further incident, demonstrating the effectiveness of established safety procedures designed to address even the most demanding in-flight contingencies.
