On November 11, 2025, Ryanair flight FR2969, call sign RYR75EE, from Edinburgh Airport to Tenerife South Airport declared a ‘mid-air emergency’, only 1 hour and 35 minutes into the journey.
Distress at High Altitude
The 6:07 am GMT departure from the Scottish capital, bound for the Spanish island, was due to land at 10:50 am.
Pilots initiated a controlled U-turn whilst maintaining an altitude of 37,000 feet over the Celtic Sea before issuing a distress signal — 7700 squawk — signalling an emergency on board the aircraft at 7:40 am. Crew members followed safety protocols and directed an emergency landing at Shannon Airport, Ireland.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 made its final approach into Shannon Airport at 8:30 am, safely touching down with authorities at Shannon on high alert and prepared for an emergency landing.
Why the Diversion?
The nature of the emergency is yet to be disclosed. However, the crew’s decision to turn around prioritised the safety of both passengers and crew members, in line with established procedures, and the flight avoided any further complications. All on board were unharmed.
The flight has since begun its journey once more and is due to land in Tenerife at 1:25 pm.
The incident underscores the critical role of flight crews during emergencies and how the quick response from the Ryanair staff prevented any further escalation.
