The incident occurred in February 2025 on an Airbus A321 flight from Frankfurt (Germany) to Seville (Spain). The official investigation report was just released this week.
The plane, carrying over 200 passengers, operated normally from the beginning until near the end of the journey.
According to the investigation report, about 30 minutes before landing, as the aircraft entered Spanish airspace, the captain left the cockpit to use the restroom. At that time, the captain noted that the co-pilot appeared to be in normal condition.
However, just eight minutes later, upon returning, the captain was unable to open the cockpit door. The co-pilot later told investigators that he had suddenly lost consciousness.
The captain tried to enter the emergency unlock code five times, but there was no response. A flight attendant also attempted to contact the co-pilot via the intercom system, but received no reply.
Eventually, the captain activated the emergency door unlock code. Just before the countdown ended, the co-pilot regained consciousness in time to open the door. The 38-year-old co-pilot was described as “pale, sweating, and displaying abnormal movements.” The captain immediately called for medical assistance.
A flight attendant and a doctor who happened to be on board administered first aid. Meanwhile, the captain diverted the flight for an emergency landing at Madrid – the nearest airport. After landing safely, the co-pilot was taken to a hospital.
The investigation concluded that the cause of the incident was a seizure disorder related to a neurological condition. Spanish aviation authorities stated that such conditions are difficult to detect without symptoms present during a medical exam or a known medical history.
Investigators recommended that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issue a widespread notice to airlines to reassess the risks of having only one pilot in the cockpit.
Lufthansa, the airline operating the flight, has not yet commented on the incident.