HAMBURG — An easyJet flight traveling from Copenhagen to Amsterdam was forced to declare an emergency and divert to Germany this afternoon following an unexpected mid-air incident.
Flight U27938, operated by an Airbus A319 with registration OE-LQP, departed Copenhagen Airport (CPH) at 13:00 CEST. The aircraft had reached its standard cruising altitude of 34,000 feet when the situation developed.
Mid-Air Descent and Emergency Squawk
While navigating over German airspace, the flight crew initiated a rapid descent out of their cruising altitude. Simultaneously, the transponder was set to Squawk 7700, the international radio code used to signal an inflight emergency.
The precise cause triggering the emergency remains unknown at this time. Air traffic control subsequently routed the twin-engine jet toward Hamburg Airport (HAM), where ground crews and emergency services prepared for its arrival.
Airline Statement: Extraordinary Circumstances
In a communication regarding the diversion, easyJet classified the disruption as being outside of the company’s direct control.
“The disruption to the flight is due to factors outside of the airline’s control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance,” easyJet indicated in an official update.
Next Steps for Passengers
According to standard operational procedures for this type of diversion, the aircraft is currently scheduled to complete necessary checks, refuel on the ground in Hamburg, and resume its journey to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) as soon as it is cleared to fly.
UPDATE #1 – 13:53 CEST
Touch down on runway 23 at HAM Airport.
UDPATE #2 – 13:54 CEST
Emergency vehicles are rushing to the aircraft.
UPDATE #3 – 13:54 CEST
The aircraft vacated the runway.
UPDATE #4 – 13:57 CEST
Now parked at remote stand of the airport.
UPDATE #5 – 15:45 CEST
The airline is currently working on a plan to continue the journey.
UPDATE #6 – 16:35 CEST
Additional delay as the plane requires further maintenance. A new plane will fly to Hamburg from Paris.
