220 passengers, 30,000 feet, heart attack: Jet2 flight from Tenerife makes emergency landing in Porto

First officer takes over, diverts to Porto

It's just after midnight, somewhere over the Atlantic. Most of the 220 passengers aboard Jet2 flight LS1266 are asleep. Then the lights start flashing. Cabin crew rush down the aisle — visibly distressed, asking whether anyone on board has medical training. The aircraft begins losing altitude. A two-year-old starts crying.

The captain of the Jet2 Airbus A321 has just suffered a heart attack. 30,000 feet above the Atlantic, on the way home from Tenerife to Birmingham.

The co-pilot immediately assumed control and initiated an emergency landing. Destination: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto. The aircraft touched down safely at 2:11am, with emergency services waiting on the runway. The captain was taken to hospital. Jet2 has not provided any update on his condition.

One passenger described the ordeal to the Irish press: "We were woken by chaos. Lights were flashing and the plane was dropping so quickly for the emergency landing — our two-year-old began crying like many other children on board."

Stranded for 13 hours in Porto

What followed was almost as exhausting as the scare itself. Around 220 passengers were stuck at Porto Airport for more than 13 hours. Jet2 dispatched a replacement pilot from Manchester — only then could passengers continue their journey to Birmingham. Those who did not want to wait were offered a complimentary transfer onto any Jet2 service to one of 14 UK destinations within the following week.

A Jet2 spokesperson said flight LS1266 had diverted to Porto on Thursday (21 May) after one of the pilots felt unwell. The airline stated that safety was not compromised at any point and that all customers were able to continue their journey, adding an apology for the unforeseen delay.

What this means for Tenerife holidaymakers

Medical emergencies in the cockpit are rare — but the protocols for them are thoroughly rehearsed. That is exactly what worked here: the co-pilot takes over, an emergency landing is initiated, paramedics are on standby. No technical failure. A human emergency that ended without further tragedy.

For British families flying home from Tenerife — whether from Manchester, Gatwick or Birmingham — the lesson is a familiar one: travel insurance with repatriation cover and flexible rebooking options are worth having. Thirteen hours on a terminal floor without cover costs more than the annual premium.

Frequently asked questions

Which flight was affected?

Jet2 flight LS1266, Tenerife South (TFS) to Birmingham (BHX), in the early hours of Friday, 21 May 2026.

How many passengers were on board?

Up to 220 passengers.

Where did the plane land?

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, Portugal — at 2:11am. The landing was controlled and uneventful.

What happened to the pilot?

He was taken to hospital by emergency services after landing. No official update has been provided on his condition.

How long were passengers stranded?

Over 13 hours, until a replacement pilot arrived from Manchester.

Could this happen on my Tenerife flight?

Technically yes — but the likelihood is very low. All commercial flights operate with two pilots precisely for situations like this. The emergency protocols worked exactly as designed.