Overview

• A Lufthansa Airbus A321 flew without a pilot for approximately 10 minutes in February 2024 after the co-pilot fainted and the captain was temporarily out of the cockpit.
• The autopilot system maintained stable flight during the incident, preventing immediate danger to the 199 passengers and six crew members on board.
• The CIAIAC investigation diagnosed the co-pilot with an undetected neurological convulsive disorder, disqualifying under ICAO medical standards.
• The captain reentered the cockpit using an emergency access code and diverted the flight to Madrid-Barajas Airport, where the co-pilot received medical attention.
• The CIAIAC recommended requiring an additional authorized person in the cockpit when one pilot leaves, and Lufthansa has completed an internal review, though its findings remain undisclosed.