On Feb 3rd, 2026, a Jet2.com Airbus A321-200N, registration G-SUNU, operating flight LS-980 from Arrecife, Canary Islands (Spain) to Manchester, England (UK), declared an emergency during the latter stages of the flight after a sudden medical event in the cockpit.
While descending toward Manchester, the captain informed air traffic control that the first officer had become incapacitated, prompting the declaration of an emergency. The aircraft continued its approach without further complication and landed safely on Manchester’s runway 05L, after which it taxied to the apron under its own power.
There were no reports of injuries among passengers, and the situation was handled entirely by the flight crew in accordance with established procedures for pilot incapacitation.
Following the precautionary landing, the aircraft remained on the ground in Manchester for approximately 13 hours before departing on its next scheduled sector, allowing time for crew and operational requirements to be addressed.
The incident highlights the importance of cockpit resource management and training, enabling safe outcomes even when unexpected medical emergencies occur during flight.
