Passengers Left Shaken as Jet2 Flight from Birmingham Aborts Landing at Lanzarote Before Touching Down Safely

Crystal Travel | Travel News | 3 June 2026

Passengers on board a Jet2 flight from Birmingham to Lanzarote experienced a tense few moments as the aircraft performed a go-around manoeuvre on final approach before touching down safely.

Jet2 Birmingham to Lanzarote Flight Performs Go-Around Manoeuvre

A Jet2 flight from Birmingham to Lanzarote carried out a go-around manoeuvre during its final approach to landing in Spain’s Canary Islands. The procedure, which involves aborting a landing attempt and climbing back to a safe altitude before trying again, briefly unsettled passengers, but the aircraft landed safely on its second approach. All passengers and crew disembarked without incident, and no injuries were reported.

The episode quickly gained attention online, sparking questions about what go-arounds are, why they happen, and whether travellers should be concerned when they occur.

What Causes a Go-Around and Is It Dangerous

A go-around is one of the most rehearsed and well-established procedures in commercial aviation. It is carried out when a pilot determines that continuing a landing attempt would not meet the strict safety standards required for touchdown. Rather than pressing ahead under unfavourable conditions, the crew applies full thrust, climbs the aircraft, and sets up for another approach.

There are several reasons a pilot may initiate a go-around. These include an unstable descent, a sudden shift in wind speed or direction, an obstruction on the runway, or an instruction from air traffic control. None of these reasons points to a fault with the aircraft itself. In every case, the decision reflects a crew prioritising safety above all else.

Lanzarote Airport is located on an island exposed to Atlantic weather systems, and its approach can present challenging wind conditions, particularly during certain times of year. Pilots operating into the Canary Islands are well versed in these conditions and trained to respond decisively.

Passenger Reactions During Jet2’s Go-Around at Lanzarote

What Passengers on Board Experienced

As the aircraft descended toward Lanzarote and the runway came into view, the engines surged powerfully, and the plane climbed sharply back into the sky. The sudden change caught many passengers off guard, with reports of audible gasps and anxiety in the cabin as the aircraft pulled away from what had felt like an imminent landing.

Jet2 cabin crew responded calmly and professionally, using the intercom to explain what was happening and reassure everyone on board. The aircraft completed its circuit and lined up for a second approach, touching down smoothly and safely. Several passengers later praised the crew for their clear communication and composed handling of the situation throughout.

Go-Arounds and UK Aviation Safety Standards

Go-arounds happen at airports around the world every day and are widely considered by aviation professionals to be a sign of sound airmanship. Pilots train extensively in simulators for exactly these scenarios, and the procedure is built into every commercial airline's standard operating practices.

In the UK, commercial aviation is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, which holds airlines to some of the highest safety standards in the world. Statistically, air travel remains the safest form of long-distance transport, and a go-around reinforces that record rather than contradicting it.

Planning a Holiday to Lanzarote from the UK

Lanzarote continues to be one of the most popular Canary Islands destinations for British holidaymakers, offering reliable sunshine, volcanic landscapes, and resort towns that suit every type of traveller. Birmingham is one of the key departure points for flights to the island, with regular services operating throughout the year.

At Crystal Travel, we offer a wide range of flight deals to Lanzarote from Birmingham and other major UK airports, with expert guidance and competitive prices to help you book your next trip with confidence.