A Jet2 plane destined for Manchester Airport was compelled to perform a U-turn due to a ‘technical issue’. The aircraft had taken off from Antalya Airport in Turkey slightly beyond 11.45pm the previous evening (Tuesday).
But just 90 minutes into the flight, passengers found themselves back where they started. One even recounted experiencing a ‘loud bang’ soon after take-off which was followed by a ‘burning/chemical smell’, according to Manchester Evening News.
“Lots of people [were] scared… Quite a few passengers [were] vomiting,” the woman reportedly said. “People sat near left wing looking out of window, vomiting and unable to put feet on floor. Hardly any info given which made it worse.”
Flight radar images confirmed the aircraft’s abrupt change in course. In response, Jet2 issued an apology and confirmed that its return was due to a ‘technical issue’.
“We can confirm that flight LS1702 from Antalya to Manchester followed standard procedure and returned to Antalya Airport yesterday, due to a technical issue,” a Jet2 spokesperson said, according to the publication.
“The aircraft landed safely and we arranged for all customers to be provided with hotel accommodation overnight. We will be flying customers back to Manchester Airport today and we would of course like to apologise for the delay to their travel plans.”