EasyJet flight from Gatwick to Tenerife makes sudden U-turn mid-journey due to ‘technical issue’

An easyJet flight to Tenerife had to make a sudden U-turn and return to Gatwick due to a “technical issue”.

The captain of flight EZY8033, which left the London airport at 7.26am and was due to arrive in Tenerife at 11.50am, decided to return to Gatwick “as a precaution”, easyJet said.

The airline added: “The captain performed a routine landing in accordance with standard operating procedures and passengers have disembarked normally.

“We are arranging for an alternative aircraft to operate the flight to Tenerife and would like to thank customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of the delay.

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is our highest priority and easyJet operates its aircraft in strict compliance with manufacturer guidelines.”

The aircraft, which can carry up to 244 passengers, flew around 403 miles southwest before making a U-turn above the Bay of Biscay – around 155 miles west of the French city La Rochelle.