Two easyJet flights diverted due to ’emergencies’

The plane took off shortly before 8am, reports the Manchester Evening News. However, the pilot transmitted a 7700 squawk code, declaring a general emergency as it flew over Oxfordshire. The Airbus A320 plane then turned around and flew back to Manchester where it landed shortly afterwards. easyJet said a normal landing took place and all passengers disembarked as normal.Passengers were given free food and drink whilst a replacement plane was secured to take them later today, the company said.A spokesperson for the airline said: ‘easyJet can confirm that flight EZY1999 from Manchester to Enfidha in Tunisia this morning returned to Manchester due to a technical issue and landed normally in line with procedures. Passengers are being provided with complimentary refreshments and are continuing their journey to Enfida this morning on a replacement aircraft.’The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines.’Later, in a separate and un-linked incident, a flight from Iceland to Manchester was diverted to Scotland due to a medical emergency. Flight EZY1810 from Reykjavik was due to land at Manchester Airport at around 12:10pm. However it also declared an emergency as it flew over northern Scotland.