On Feb 13th 2026, an easyJet Airbus A320-200, registration G-EZTY, executed two balked landings at Funchal before diverting to Porto Santo, later grounding the aircraft for several days due to landing gear damage.
Flight U2-8519 had departed London Gatwick for Funchal and was on approach to runway 05 when the aircraft touched down but immediately went around, performing a balked landing. The crew repositioned for a second approach to the same runway; however, that attempt also resulted in another balked landing.
Following the second unsuccessful landing attempt, the crew elected to divert to Porto Santo. The aircraft landed safely on runway 36 approximately one hour after the first balked landing and about 20 minutes after the second.
Subsequent inspections revealed damage to the main landing gear, preventing the aircraft from continuing its scheduled operations. The jet remained on the ground in Madeira until Feb 16th 2026.
To recover the aircraft, easyJet diverted flight U2-8521 from London Gatwick to Funchal via Porto Santo to drop off a replacement crew. That flight continued onward to Funchal, arriving with a delay of about one hour.
The occurrence aircraft eventually departed Porto Santo roughly three days and seven hours after landing, positioning back to London Gatwick as flight U2-9002. It resumed regular service the following morning, Feb 17th 2026.
Funchal’s runway 05 approach is known for demanding terrain and wind conditions, requiring precise handling and stable approach criteria. In this case, the crew’s decision to go around twice before diverting ensured a safe outcome despite the eventual technical consequences for the aircraft.
