A Jet2 flight bound for Palma de Mallorca was forced to make an emergency diversion to Manchester Airport on Thursday morning after passengers reported a sudden vibration shortly after takeoff.
The Boeing 737-800 departed from Liverpool John Lennon Airport at approximately 8am, heading for Palma de Mallorca Airport, when the crew declared a general emergency squawk 7700 at an altitude of 12,875 feet near Manchester, according to the real-time aviation alert service Squawk.
Passenger recalls tense moments
One passenger, traveling with his wife, brother, and sister-in-law for a long weekend, told the ECHO that the vibration began almost immediately after takeoff. "As soon as the plane took off there was a sudden vibration and more noise, but nothing that alarmed passengers," he said.
Around 15 minutes into the flight, the captain informed passengers of an issue. "Everyone remained calm and the stewards were professional. The captain reassured everyone," the passenger added.
Safe landing and onward travel
The aircraft landed safely at Manchester Airport, and a spokesperson for the airport confirmed the Jet2 aircraft had touched down without incident. According to the passenger, Jet2 arranged for another flight to continue the journey to Palma, scheduled for approximately 11:25am.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft changed course near Shrewsbury, turning back toward Liverpool before diverting to Manchester.
