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EasyJet Pilot Suspended After Near-Miss with Mountain in Egypt

The Airbus A320 came dangerously close to a mountain during its descent, triggering a safety alarm and prompting an ongoing investigation.

EasyJet planes queue to take off at London Gatwick Airport in Crawley, West Sussex. Gatwick wants to bring its second, emergency runway into routine use for take-offs by smaller aircraft, increasing the airport's annual flight capacity by 100,000. Opponents of the expansion have accused the airport of trying to open "a new runway on the cheap". Picture date: Monday February 17, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story AIR Gatwick. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire
EasyJet Airbus A320, the plane involved in the incident over a mountain range during a flight from Manchester to Egypt (Photo: Nicholas T Ansell/PA)
Captain Paul Elsworth was forced to take evasive action when a cockpit warning system alerted him to the danger

Overview

  • The incident occurred on February 2 during an EasyJet flight from Manchester, UK, to Hurghada, Egypt, with 190 passengers and crew onboard.
  • The plane descended to an altitude of 2,329 feet, coming within 771 feet of a mountain peak, far below the standard clearance of 6,000 feet.
  • The Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) alarm sounded in the cockpit, prompting the pilot to level the aircraft, which landed safely.
  • Captain Paul Elsworth, the pilot in command, reported the incident the following day and has been suspended pending an investigation by EasyJet and aviation authorities.
  • Passengers were reportedly unaware of the near-miss, and another flight crew was assigned to fly the return journey to Manchester.