EasyJet has dismissed a possible takeover deal from a major US investment firm, branding it “highly opportunistic” and insisting no discussions had taken place between the two sides.

The budget airline said interest from Castlelake emerged as its shares came under pressure from concerns over the Iran conflict’s impact on fuel costs and travel demand.

Castlelake revealed late on Friday, after the stock market close in London, that it was in the early stages of considering an offer for easyJet following recent speculation.

The firm had stressed that “no approach” had been made to the Board of easyJet,” warning there was “no certainty” that a bid would actually happen.

Under takeover rules, Castlelake has until June 26 to either announce a firm intention to make an offer or walk away.

EasyJet said on Monday: “The board of easyJet has not had any discussions with, nor received any approach or proposal from Castlelake.”

It added: “The board notes the highly opportunistic timing when easyJet’s share price is temporarily depressed due to the current situation in the Middle East and its impact on customer confidence and jet fuel prices.”

Luton-based easyJet said it also “notes the considerable regulatory, financial and other execution challenges associated with a potential takeover of easyJet”.

The airline recently reported losses of £552 million for the first half of its financial year – a 40% increase compared with the previous year – but said demand for the summer holidays remains strong, with travellers continuing to book trips closer to departure dates.

Mr Jarvis said: “Demand seems to be very strong in what we call the late market. As we ran through April, demand was very strong for the month of April. We’re seeing it again in May.

“But as you look further out, people are more cautious. People are waiting and watching, but they are booking as as you approach, and I expect that strong late booking market to run through the summer.”

Credits: easyJet

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A passenger plane was forced to declare an emergency shortly after taking off from Manchester Airport.

EasyJet flight U22253 was forced to halt its climb due to a medical incident on board. It had been headed for Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt when it was forced to turn back on Thursday

Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft abruptly cut short the five-hour trip to the holiday destination almost as soon as it left the ground. It stopped its ascent at 3,700 feet to make a return to its airport of origin.

The plane, an Airbus A320neo, is capable of carrying between 150 and 180 passengers depending on the airline configuration.

The flight declared an emergency right after takeoff from Manchester

The flight crew transmitted the Squawk 7700 code via the aircraft’s transponder. This broadcast alerts all surrounding air traffic control units to a general mid-air emergency.

The pilots then ran through a series of emergency checklists to make sure the aircraft was properly set up for a swift return before the plane headed back to Manchester Airport. The aircraft made an unscheduled precautionary landing back at Manchester Airport once the necessary procedures were finalised.

Local emergency crews and airport fire services were on standby to meet the twin-engine jet upon arrival, as is standard practice during an unscheduled landing of this type.

The airline later confirmed the flight was diverted due to a medical emergency on board, Air Live reports.

As spokesperson from easyJet told the Mirror: “Flight EZY2253 from Manchester to Sharm El Sheikh on 21 May diverted back to Manchester, due to a customer onboard requiring urgent medical attention.

“The customer was met by medical services on arrival and the flight continued to Sharm El Sheikh later that evening. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority.”

This comes after another easyJet flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger left a phone charging on a powerbank in their luggage.

The easyJet plane was travelling from Hurghada in Egypt to Luton, but made an emergency landing in Rome at 11.30pm on Tuesday. The 180 passengers onboard were shocked when the captain announced: “There’s something we shouldn’t have in the hold.”

The carrier’s next flight from Rome to Luton was 2pm on Wednesday. Passengers were put up in hotels or slept in the terminal.

Credits: easyJet

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