On February 2, 2025, an EasyJet flight from Manchester to Hurghada, Egypt, narrowly avoided disaster when it descended perilously close to a mountain range. The incident has raised serious concerns about aviation safety protocols and pilot decision-making.​

The Incident Unfolded

During its approach to Hurghada, the Airbus A320, carrying up to 190 passengers, descended to an altitude of 3,100 feet—alarmingly lower than the standard 6,000 feet required to safely clear the mountainous terrain. This miscalculation brought the aircraft within approximately 770 feet of the mountain peak, triggering the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) in the cockpit. The system issued urgent alerts, including “pull up, terrain, terrain, pull up,” prompting the captain to execute an immediate corrective maneuver to avert a potential catastrophe. ​

Pilot’s Immediate Suspension

Captain Paul Elsworth, a seasoned pilot with over three decades of experience, reported the incident to EasyJet officials the following day. In adherence to safety protocols, the airline promptly suspended him from duty, preventing him from operating the return flight to Manchester. Another crew was assigned to bring the aircraft back to the UK, while Captain Elsworth returned as a passenger. Upon arrival, he was officially stood down pending a comprehensive investigation. ​

Investigation and Safety Measures

EasyJet has initiated an in-depth investigation to determine the factors leading to this serious safety breach. The airline emphasized that safety remains its top priority and that its pilots undergo rigorous training and continuous monitoring. A spokesperson stated, “Safety is the number one priority for all our pilots; they are trained to the highest industry standards, subject to rigorous testing and monitored closely.”

Passenger Unawareness

Remarkably, passengers aboard the flight were reportedly unaware of the near-miss. The swift response by the flight crew ensured that the aircraft landed safely in Hurghada without incident. ​

Context of Recent Incidents

This event adds to a series of recent aviation incidents that have heightened public concern. For instance, on February 8, 2025, another EasyJet flight from Hurghada to Manchester had to make an emergency landing in Athens after the pilot collapsed mid-flight. The co-pilot successfully diverted the plane, ensuring passenger safety. ​

The February 2 incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adherence to established flight protocols and the need for continuous vigilance in aviation operations. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative for airlines and regulatory bodies to scrutinize such events to prevent future occurrences and maintain public trust in air travel safety.

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