easyJet flight from Glasgow declares mid-air emergency and diverts to Liverpool
An easyJet flight bound for Southampton declared squawk code 7700 about 25 minutes after leaving Glasgow and was diverted to Liverpool following a reported bird strike.
An easyJet passenger flight from Glasgow to Southampton has declared a mid-air emergency and diverted to Liverpool after a reported bird strike. The aircraft, operating as flight EZY12NL, left Glasgow at 8.09am and declared the emergency squawk code 7700 around 25 minutes after departure.
The flight had been heading south towards Southampton when the crew issued the emergency signal, prompting the diversion to Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The nature of the emergency was not immediately confirmed by the airline, but reports indicate the aircraft suffered a bird strike.
Squawk code 7700 is the standard transponder code used by pilots to signal a general emergency to air traffic control. It allows controllers to prioritise the aircraft and alert emergency services on the ground if required. The code is used when a flight faces a situation that requires immediate attention but does not necessarily indicate a catastrophic failure.
Bird strikes are a relatively common occurrence in aviation, particularly during take-off and landing when aircraft are at lower altitudes. Most incidents result in no damage or only minor damage, but pilots are required to treat them seriously and follow established safety procedures, which can include returning to the departure airport or diverting to the nearest suitable airfield.
The flight had been scheduled to arrive at Southampton later in the morning. It is not yet known how many passengers and crew were on board, or whether anyone was injured. easyJet has been approached for comment on the incident.
The diversion to Liverpool means the aircraft landed at an airport that was not its intended destination, and passengers will likely face delays while the airline arranges onward travel or alternative arrangements. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a base for easyJet and handles a range of domestic and European routes.
Emergency diversions of this kind are rare but not unprecedented, and they underline the layered safety protocols that govern commercial aviation. Crews are trained to declare an emergency when they believe it is necessary to receive priority handling from air traffic control, and the decision to divert is typically made quickly based on the information available at the time.
The incident is the latest in a series of mid-air emergencies involving UK flights in recent months, although the vast majority conclude safely with no injuries. Investigators may examine the aircraft for evidence of bird remains and assess any damage before the plane is cleared to return to service.
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