Flight destined for uk forced to send mid-air alert as 'oxygen masks drop'

The pilot of an Edinburgh-bound easyJet aircraft issued a mid-air alert amid reported fears of loss of cabin pressure. The easyJet flight left Palma, the popular resort city and capital of

the Spanish island of Majorca, on the morning of August 10. Into its route, the pilot of the flight U27259 squawked a 7700 - a code used by professionals to indicate an emergency of any

kind. One person who said to have been on that flight claimed oxygen masks were dropped. Twitter user Ellis Johnson wrote on the social media platform in response to a report concerning the

easyJet flight: "Disembarked 30 minutes ago, pilot very concerned and dropped masks due to suspected loss of cabin pressure.  "Descended like a meteor. Pilot wasn’t totally sure of

issue even when grounded." The social media user brightened the mood, adding: "Fun start to the day!"  An easyJet spokesperson confirmed the flight experienced a

"technical issue" but didn't specify what the problem encountered was nor spoke about the reported deployment of oxygen masks.  They said: "EasyJet can confirm that

flight EJU7259 from Palma to Edinburgh this morning was met by emergency services on arrival in Edinburgh as a precaution only due to a technical issue.  "The Captain performed a

routine landing in line with standard operating procedures and passengers disembarked normally. "The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority

and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines."  Oxygen masks are rarely deployed on flights and only when cabin pressure falls

below a certain threshold. They are to be worn by passengers to help them breathe while the pilot descends quickly to a safe altitude. Squawk codes are used to provide quick and effective

communication between air traffic control and pilots. They are four-digit numbers and, when issued, show up on the controller's screens along with flight information such as altitude

and speed. Code 7700 could include any emergency situation, from engine failure to pressurization issues as well as medical emergencies on board. When received, air traffic control clears

the runways needed and prepares the airport for a quick landing.