Stunning footage of go-around at one of Europe’s dinamic airport ignites global aviation community—and confusion over whether it was real or AI-generated.
NewsAvia Middle East Edition
A dramatic go-around performed by an EasyJet Airbus A320-214 (reg. OE-INF) during approach to Madeira Airport (LPMA) has become a global sensation—initially mistaken by many as AI-generated content, before passenger videos confirmed the incident was very real.
Flight U21869, inbound from Bordeaux on March 19, 2025, encountered windshear over the runway threshold, prompting the crew to initiate a go-around with a sharp right turn directly over the airport’s terminal and gates—a maneuver now viewed millions of times across social media platforms.
The moment was first captured by Madeira Spotters, one of the aviation world’s most-followed enthusiast YouTube channels. The live stream video, which initially reached over 290,000 views, showed the aircraft executing a visually intense escape maneuver as it battled the island’s notorious crosswinds. Madeira Airport, known for its geographic winds and dinamic wind patterns, often puts pilot skills to the test—especially with northerly winds impacting the single-runway layout.
Despite the clarity and realism of the footage, early comments across platforms claimed the video was digitally created or AI-enhanced, causing engagement to slow. However, within days, passenger-captured footage from the iconic airport observation balcony began surfacing, verifying the event and reigniting interest.
This unique viewing point, just meters above the departure gates, is a hallmark of Madeira’s airport experience and played a key role in validating the go-around’s authenticity. With multiple angles now circulating, the event has reached mainstream and specialist aviation outlets, turning what was once dismissed as synthetic into one of 2025’s most talked-about aviation moments.
The go-around has sparked contrasting views in the global pilot community. Some professional aviators and YouTubers described the maneuver as “insane” or “on the edge of procedural limits,” while others emphasized that it was a textbook response to windshear—a standard safety protocol executed with precision.
“Go-arounds are part of normal operations, especially at Madeira,” one former airline captain noted. “But the intensity of the right turn and proximity to terminal areas makes this case particularly eye-catching.”
Implications for Aviation Enthusiasts and Safety Culture
The incident also highlights the evolving intersection between aviation safety and public perception, especially in the age of AI-generated content and deepfakes. That the initial skepticism came from viewers assuming the video was fake underscores the need for media literacy and aviation transparency.
Madeira Airport, serving over 5 million passengers annually, remains one of Europe’s most scenic—and dynamic—airports. Known for its breathtaking approaches, it’s no stranger to spectacular landings and go-arounds, but all in safety as it is one of the safest airports in Europe.
Video : Mega Aviation
Watch the original video by Madeira Spotter with other angle.
Photo: Madeira Spotters
