LISBON — A transatlantic flight operated by TAP Air Portugal declared an emergency over the Atlantic Ocean today, forcing the aircraft to abort its journey to the United States and divert to the Azores archipelago.
Mid-Flight Diversion
Flight TP217, an Airbus A321neo registered as CS-TXE, departed Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport at 12:02 WEST bound for Boston Logan International Airport.
Approximately three hours into the flight, while maintaining a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet over the central Atlantic Ocean, the flight crew transmitted a squawk 7700 code—the universal aviation signal indicating a general emergency onboard.
Following the declaration, air traffic control cleared the aircraft for an immediate route change, directing it toward Lajes Airport (LTA/LPLA), located on Terceira Island in the Azores.
Standard Emergency Protocols
Declaring a squawk 7700 allows flight crews to notify all nearby air traffic control units of an urgent situation, giving the aircraft priority handling, direct routing, and immediate ground support upon arrival.
Lajes Airport, a joint military-civilian airfield on Terceira Island, frequently serves as a crucial diversion point for transatlantic aircraft experiencing technical issues or medical emergencies due to its strategic position in the mid-Atlantic and long runway capabilities.
Landing & taxiing
After 4 hours in the air, the A321neo landed on runway 33 at TER Airport then taxied to remote stand of the airport at 15:20 UTC due to engine issue.
UPDATE
After about 2 hours on the ground, the flight TP217 is now taking off from TER at 17:43 UTC to Boston.
