28 July 2023 , 08:17
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An easyJet flight has been forced to land back at Gatwick Airport minutes after takeoff before being escorted off the runway by emergency vehicles.
Flight EZY6427 was en route to Dubrovnik, Croatia - but it's understood it reverted to emergency protocol due to a hydraulic issue, with flight deck fearing they may have damaged landing gear.
It set off at around 8.12am this morning, with flight tracker Flight Radar showing the Airbus A320-214's flight path beginning as normal before circling several times near Crowborough before coming back to land at Gatwick.
Passengers have described to the Mirror their panic as cabin crew warned they would need to perform an emergency landing before continually shouting "BRACE!"
An easyJet spokesperson said: “easyJet can confirm that flight EZY6427 from London Gatwick to Dubrovnik this morning returned from airborne due to a technical issue. The captain performed a routine landing in line with procedures and the aircraft was met by emergency services at Gatwick as a precaution only where passengers have disembarked.
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“The safety of its passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines.”