An Aer Lingus regional flight experienced significant trouble landing at Belfast City Airport on December 22, 2024, resulting in emergency procedures being enacted. The aircraft, operated by Emerald Airlines, was making what is classified as a positioning flight from Edinburgh, with only four crew members aboard, no passengers on the plane during the event. The flight, which took off with the intention of relocating the aircraft for future passenger flights, encountered strong gusty winds, and upon landing around 4 PM GMT, its nose wheel collapsed.
The impact was immediately felt throughout the airport as it triggered the closure of the runway for the remainder of the day, complicting travel plans for many intending to land at Belfast City Airport. The airport’s official spokespeople confirmed the closure, urging any arriving passengers to contact their respective airlines for updates. It was reported, “the runway is currently closed and will be for the rest of the day,” as officials began to facilitate emergency measures.
Shortly after the incident, emergency responders arrived swiftly, and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) was alerted at 4:15 PM, following the declaration of a full airport emergency. Fire Service Area Commander David Doherty stated, “We sent several units as part of our expected response to an airport emergency,” highlighting their readiness during such unforeseen situations. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, as the crew was assessed at the scene primarily as precautionary measures.
Given the circumstances of the day, with high winds damaging travel plans throughout the UK, Belfast City Airport was witness to continuous disruptions. The turbulent weather patterns, which included gusts approximated at 70 mph, led not only to this incident but also to the disruption of flights across various other modes of transport. Other airports had been similarly affected, with around 100 flights canceled from major hubs such as Heathrow due to the adverse weather conditions impacting air travel.
With the runway fully closed, diversions were necessary for several flights previously scheduled to land at Belfast City Airport. According to officials, at least four flights were redirected to the nearby Belfast International Airport, which was already managing its high flight schedules during the busy travel season. It was emphasized, “as we already had a heavier schedule than usual, we are now close to capacity,” indicating the juggling act necessary to accommodate additional arrivals on such short notice.
Another factor complicting the travel woes was the redirection of flights to Dublin Airport, with five flights added to the mix after the incident. Graeme McQueen, the Media Relations Manager at the Dublin Airport Authority, confirmed, “We are happy to help our neighboring airport,” reiterative of the collaborative efforts typical among regional air transport hubs during times of emergency.
Upon assessments made back at Belfast City Airport, the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) had been alerted and confirmed the start of their investigation pertaining to the collapsed nose wheel. Their representative remarked, “An investigation has been launched and a team of inspectors is being deployed to the site,” exemplifying the thorough scrutiny such incidents undergo as part of aviation safety protocols.
The entire episode prompted significant concern among travelers. Many remained unaware of the incident until their flights were either delayed or redirected. Some, like passenger Sarah O’Connell, were diverted after departing on an Emerald Air flight from Southampton, sharing she received word from her pilot moments before landing about the disruption at Belfast City. “Then, just moments later, he informed us we would be landing at Dublin,” she recounted, reflecting the unexpected nature of travel during this busy holiday season.
Belfast City Airport authorities encouraged all passengers affected by the incident to remain patient as the situation unfolded. “Passengers are asked to contact their airline,” they reiterated, ensuring clear communication as personnel worked tirelessly to resolve the aftermath of the emergency.
Throughout the day, the Met Office had issued warnings of extreme weather conditions impacting road, rail, and air travel across the region. These alerts underscored the precarious nature of travel during this time of year, particularly amid one of the busiest holiday periods.
With emergency protocols firmly instituted and coordination among local airports on high alert, the hope remains for clear skies and smoother travel for the upcoming days, poised for resolution following the incident at Belfast City Airport. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and remain attentive to airline updates as the situation progresses.
