Ryanair flight from UK to Morocco 'makes emergency landing in Portugal after pilot falls ill'

A Ryanair plane has reportedly had to make an emergency landing on the Algarve after the pilot fell ill.

The aircraft was heading from the UK to Morocco but ended up landing at Faro Airport on the Portuguese Algarve this morning, according to local reports.

Portuguese daily Correio da Manha said the pilot had told passengers before landing that he wasn't feeling well and the diversion triggered a 'red alert' at the airport.

It was not immediately clear today if the pilot had landed the plane or handed over to his co-pilot and whether he had stayed on the aircraft after reaching Faro or if he had been taken to hospital.

In April a packed easyJet plane heading to Agadir in Morocco from London Gatwick had to divert to Faro.

Local reports at the time said the flight diversion was the result of the pilot suffering an 'indisposition', and led to an identical red alert being activated before the Airbus A320 was landed safely.

EasyJet said in a comment at the time: 'easyJet can confirm that flight EZY6469 from London Gatwick to Agadir on 21 April diverted to Faro due to the First Officer requiring medical assistance.

'The Captain performed a routine landing in accordance with standard operating procedures and the aircraft was met by medical services on arrival in Faro.

'A replacement crew was arranged and passengers have since continued their journey to Agadir. We apologise for any inconvenience experienced due to the diversion and resulting delay.

'The safety and well-being of its passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority.'

MailOnline has contacted Ryanair for comment.