Two in-flight emergencies within minutes of each other Credit: Shutterstock/Hadrian
Two aircraft needed emergency assistance at Mallorca Airport within minutes of each other after one reported a cabin pressurisation problem and another arrived with a passenger requiring urgent medical attention.
The incidents took place at Palma’s Son Sant Joan Airport on Monday, October 12, prompting air traffic controllers to coordinate two separate landings and alert emergency services, as reported by MajorcaDailyBulletin. Both situations were handled safely, with airport operations subsequently continuing.
The close succession of the incidents meant controllers had to manage two different situations at once, involving a technical problem on one flight and a medical emergency on another.
Plane turns back after pressurisation problem
The first incident involved an Air X aircraft travelling from Faro, Portugal, to Palermo, Italy.
While flying near eastern Menorca, the crew reported a problem with cabin pressurisation. Rather than continuing towards Sicily, the aircraft turned back towards Mallorca.
The pilots carried out an emergency descent before approaching Palma Airport, where air traffic controllers arranged for the aircraft to land on runway 24L.
Cabin pressurisation is essential for keeping the air inside an aircraft at a suitable pressure while flying at high altitude. If a problem develops, pilots follow established safety procedures, which can include descending rapidly and diverting to an appropriate airport.
An emergency descent can be alarming for passengers, but it is a recognised response to certain technical warnings. There has been no confirmed information about the precise cause of the problem affecting the Air X aircraft.
Second aircraft arrives with sick passenger
As controllers dealt with the returning flight, another aircraft was preparing to land with a passenger experiencing medical difficulties.
The second plane was directed towards runway 24R, while airport emergency services were alerted and placed on standby.
Using separate runways allowed controllers to coordinate the two arrivals while responding to the different needs of each aircraft.
The incidents demonstrate the importance of communication between pilots, air traffic control and ground teams when unexpected problems arise. Controllers must assess incoming information, organise safe approaches and ensure the appropriate emergency support is ready.
No further details have been confirmed about the passenger’s condition or whether hospital treatment was required after landing.
Airport returns to normal operations
Despite the two emergencies occurring so close together, both situations were resolved without major disruption to airport operations.
The aircraft affected by the pressurisation problem landed safely, and the runways were subsequently cleared, allowing other flights to continue operating.
The incidents occurred on Monday, Spain’s National Day, October 12. The precise times of the incidents have not been independently confirmed, but reports published on Tuesday, October 13, described the two landings as taking place within minutes of one another.
Further information about the technical fault and the passenger’s medical emergency has not been made public.
For travellers using Mallorca Airport, the incidents offer a reminder that flights can be diverted or require emergency assistance when technical or medical problems develop. Established aviation procedures allow crews and controllers to respond to such situations while prioritising passenger safety.