easyJet Flight Diverted After Popped Champagne Cork Causes Oxygen Masks to Drop from Ceiling

An easyJet flight from London to Turkey was forced to make an unscheduled landing after a popped champagne cork reportedly caused oxygen masks to drop from the ceiling.

A stewardess on the plane, which was flying from Gatwick to Dalaman, apparently accidentally fired the stopper into the roof of the aircraft while opening it for two passengers.

The incident caused damage to the ceiling of the jet and also led to oxygen masks dropping down from above cabin crew seats at the back of the plane, the Sun reported.

It meant the flight, which took off at 4:20 p.m. on August 7, had to be diverted via Milan so the masks could be reset - a move easyJet said was in line with safety procedures.

One passenger told The Sun: "It wasn't very funny at the time but I can see the lighter side now.

"All that hassle, delay and money wasted by easyJet - all over a champagne cork! No one on the flight could believe it and people I have spoken to have found it hilarious."

An easyJet spokesman said: "easyJet can confirm that flight EZY8845 from London Gatwick to Dalaman on August 7 diverted to Milan Malpensa as a precautionary measure due to a technical issue with the cabin crew oxygen masks."

"In line with safety procedures the captain took the correct decision to divert so that the cabin crew oxygen masks could be reset. The flight continued to Dalaman 1 hour and 7 minutes later once this had happened. Passengers were provided with a complimentary inflight service whilst on the ground in Milan Malpensa."

"The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority."

"We would like to apologise for the delay and any inconvenience caused."