A LOT Polish Airlines pilot collapsed in the cockpit shortly after departing Palma de Majorca early this morning, prompting an emergency diversion to Milan.
The Warsaw-bound aircraft had been airborne for less than an hour when one of the pilots suddenly became unwell and lost consciousness, triggering an urgent landing at approximately 5am local time.
The fully loaded flight had departed from the popular British holiday destination before the crew member's condition forced the captain to reroute the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport in northern Italy.
The incident occurred on July 23, with the packed plane carrying passengers expecting a routine journey to the Polish capital.
A substantial emergency response met the Boeing 737 upon its arrival in Milan, with five paramedics, three ambulances and two medical vehicles dispatched to the aircraft.
A LOT Polish Airlines spokesman confirmed the diversion was health-related, stating: "The plane was diverted to Milan for medical reasons."
The spokesman added: "Due to the illness of a crew member, the captain requested medical assistance."
It is understood the pilot fainted while at the controls, though the captain was able to safely bring the aircraft down without further incident.
A LOT Polish Airlines pilot fainted just moments after takeoff
|GETTY
The rapid mobilisation of medical teams at the Italian airport ensured the stricken crew member received immediate attention.
Fortunately, the pilot received treatment at the scene without requiring any significant medical intervention. No injuries were reported among those on board the aircraft.
Travellers faced a lengthy wait at Milan's airport before eventually being allowed back onto the same Boeing 737 at around 11am, roughly six hours after the unscheduled touchdown.
The delay meant passengers endured a significant disruption to their travel plans, though the airline ensured the journey to Warsaw could resume once a replacement crew arrangement was in place.
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The pilot did not require any significant medical intervention
|GETTY
The unexpected stopover in Italy added considerable time to what should have been a straightforward flight to Poland.
The incident follows a similar scare involving British Airways, which launched an investigation after its pilots fell ill with food poisoning during a stopover in India.
On the 10½-hour return flight to Heathrow aboard a Boeing 777, a first officer became "incapacitated" at 30,000 feet and required oxygen.
The remaining two pilots continued operating the aircraft but experienced worsening symptoms after touching down in Britain.
BA maintained that flight safety had not been compromised.
The airline said: "The welfare of our colleagues is a top priority and we are reviewing crew accommodation in this location following some isolated reports of sickness."