Overview
• Operator: Wizz Air UK
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A321-200neo
• Registration: G-WUKO
• Flight Number: W9-5327
• Route: London Luton (UK) to Istanbul (Turkey)
• Date: 27 February 2025
• Occupants: Not specified
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Pilot incapacitation during cruise, emergency diversion
Incident Summary
A Wizz Air UK Airbus A321-200neo, operating as flight W9-5327 from London Luton to Istanbul, was cruising at FL350 about 90 nautical miles northwest of Munich, Germany, when the crew declared an emergency due to one of the pilots becoming incapacitated.
The initial plan was to divert to Budapest (Hungary), but 10 minutes later, while overflying Munich, the crew opted to land there instead.
The aircraft landed safely on Munich’s Runway 26R approximately 40 minutes after declaring the emergency.
At the time of the report, the aircraft remained grounded in Munich for over 16.5 hours, indicating a potential crew change or further assessments.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• The aircraft was en route at FL350, cruising about 90 nautical miles northwest of Munich.
• No prior indications of abnormalities were reported.
Emergency Declaration & Decision to Divert:
• The crew declared an emergency due to one of the pilots becoming incapacitated.
• The initial diversion plan was to Budapest, but after overflying Munich, the crew opted to land there instead.
Safe Landing at Munich:
• The aircraft landed safely on Runway 26R in Munich approximately 40 minutes after the emergency declaration.
• Medical assistance was likely waiting on arrival, as is standard protocol for crew incapacitation incidents.
Investigation & Findings
Potential Causes & Considerations:
• Pilot incapacitation mid-flight can result from various causes, including:
• Sudden medical conditions (stroke, heart attack, severe illness).
• Fatigue-related issues.
• Food poisoning.
• Other undisclosed medical emergencies.
• The first officer or captain (depending on which pilot was incapacitated) successfully managed the aircraft and coordinated the emergency diversion.
• The decision to divert to Munich rather than Budapest suggests:
• Munich was the closer or more practical option at the time of overflight.
• Munich had better emergency response capabilities for medical assistance.
• The airline may have had operational support in Munich for crew and passenger handling.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
For Airlines & Pilots:
• Strict enforcement of crew medical fitness checks to detect potential health risks before flights.
• Encourage pilots to self-report any health concerns before duty to prevent in-flight medical issues.
• Ensure all pilots undergo regular fatigue management training and medical evaluations.
• Encourage redundancy in cockpit procedures to ensure the non-incapacitated pilot can safely manage the flight alone if necessary.
For Air Traffic Control & Airports:
• Enhanced coordination with ATC for emergency landings due to crew incapacitation.
• Ensure adequate emergency medical response is available upon aircraft arrival.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the critical importance of pilot health and in-flight contingency planning. The crew successfully handled the emergency, making a safe diversion and landing in Munich instead of their initially intended alternate in Budapest.
The cause of the pilot’s incapacitation remains unknown, but the swift decision-making and adherence to emergency procedures ensured passenger and flight safety.
This case reinforces the necessity of rigorous crew health monitoring and effective emergency response protocols for similar in-flight medical situations.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 28 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
