Safety award for 'dry ice' crew

The aircraft landed safely at Newcastle Airport

The crew of a passenger jet who forced an emergency landing after mistaking dry ice for smoke are in line for a safety award.

An Easyjet Boeing 737, bound for Amsterdam from Glasgow, was diverted to Newcastle Airport following reports of a fire on board.

Emergency services were on full alert as the aircraft came in to land just after 0800 BST last Tuesday.

Now it has emerged the two cabin crew are nominated for a company safety award.

Easyjet say the crew acted "exceptionally well"

Easyjet flight EZY 0868 left Glasgow Airport at 0700 BST on 25 June.

But just a few minutes into the flight air traffic controllers were told there might be a fire on board and the jet was being diverted to Tyneside.

Fire appliances and ambulances were rushed to the airport.

But what was thought to have been a fire in the galley area of the aircraft, turned out to be dry ice bags that are used to keep sandwiches cold.

A spokesman for Easyjet said: "The crew acted exceptionally well in difficult circumstances.

Cash prize

"Regardless of what caused the incident, the way the crew acted was exactly right.

"You always have to assume the worst in situations and take absolutely no chances where the safety of passengers is concerned."

If crew members John Hudson and Yvonne Johnstone win the recognition award, they will scoop a cash prize and a special dinner.

Station officer Kevin Gardner of Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade, said: "If a crew genuinely believes there is a risk to passengers on an aircraft, we would expect them to take the necessary action.

'Top priority'

"In such a potentially critical situation it is imperative the crew err on the side of caution. The crew need to be congratulated for their vigilance."

A spokeswoman for Newcastle Airport said: "Any airline can choose to recognise the actions or achievements of its crew at its own discretion.

"Safety is a top priority at Newcastle Airport and we're here to assist any airline in following its safety procedures."

No-one was hurt during the incident and a replacement Easyjet plane took passengers on to Amsterdam.