EasyJet plane diverts after emergency on board just 30 minutes into flight

Flight radar map shows the moment the flight diverts (Image: FlightRadar24)

An easyJet flight from Manchester Airport was forced to make a sudden diversion on Wednesday evening (August 27) following an onboard emergency.

The Alicante-bound service departed shortly after 6pm before the captain made the decision to turn back over the English Channel just 30 minutes into the journey.

The plane was subsequently rerouted and touched down at London Gatwick airport.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 reveals the aircraft's path heading south over Birmingham and the southern coastline before circling back across the English Channel, reports the Manchester Evening News.

In a statement posted online, easyJet issued an apology for the inconvenience and confirmed the diversion was necessary due to a passenger welfare matter aboard the flight.

"We're very sorry that your flight has now been diverted to London Gatwick airportThis is due to a passenger welfare issue," a statement read.

"The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance."

A replacement service from Gatwick was subsequently arranged to carry on to Alicante, with departure scheduled for approximately 9pm on Wednesday.