EasyJet plane forced to make emergency landing after smoke on flight deck

Captain brought the plane and 157 passengers safely down in Gatwick, despite being on oxygen

Two easyJet airplanes on the ground (Getty)

An EasyJet passenger plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Gatwick earlier today after the passenger cabin filled with smoke.

Flight #EZY7215 from Liverpool to Naples, carrying 157 passengers and six cabin crew members, was forced to divert to London after a “technical issue” caused the flight desk to fill with smoke.

Speaking to The Independent, a spokesperson said: “The aircraft landed safely and was met by emergency services as a routine and precautionary measure.”

Passenger Richard Caddy praised the bravery of the plane’s captain, who revealed he was on oxygen when the plane landed.

He later tweeted: ‘Smoke in cockpit but no fire. Captain v impressive.’

Mr Caddy said: “The pilot was great just for keeping us informed throughout. Really kept a lid on things.”

The flight left Liverpool at 6.20 in the morning and having unexpectedly landed at Gatwick at 7.20, passengers waited for a replacement flight to Naples.

The incident would have caused another headache for Gatwick staff who were grappling with a fire alarm later this morning in the North terminal.