Belfast City Airport remains closed after an Aer Lingus plane encountered a serious emergency during landing, disrupting almost 40 flights and leaving many travelers stranded.
The incident took place at approximately 16:00 GMT on Sunday when the aircraft, which was on a positioning flight from Edinburgh with no passengers onboard, suffered a nose wheel collapse upon landing. Pictures from the scene showed the plane's nose resting on the runway tarmac, prompting immediate response from emergency services.
Firefighters were alerted to the situation at 16:15 GMT after the airport declared what was termed as a "full emergency." Fire Service Area Commander David Doherty confirmed the rapid deployment of several fire units to the airport. Although no immediate action was required, firefighters remained on standby as part of their precautionary measures.
Emerald Airlines, the airline operating the flight on behalf of Aer Lingus, stated, "The aircraft experienced a hard landing upon arriving at Belfast City Airport due to adverse weather conditions." The bad weather—specifically strong winds—had been forecasted for the region, leading to warnings from the Met Office about potential disruptions across various transportation sectors, including air travel.
Following the emergency, Belfast City Airport announced it would remain closed for the remainder of the day to facilitate recovery operations. Passengers were advised not to travel to the airport and to check with their airlines for updates. A spokesperson for the airport noted, "All updates and advice for passengers will be shared on our website and social media." Meanwhile, at least four flights were diverted to Belfast International Airport, which began to approach capacity due to the increased number of redirected flights.
Belfast International Airport made it clear on social media before 18:30 GMT, stating, "We are limited in how many redirected flights we can take this evening." Additional flights from London City and Leeds Bradford, as well as five more to Dublin Airport, added to the chaos for travelers.
Looking beyond the immediate incident, the Consumer Council highlighted the broader effects of flight delays and cancellations. Recent reports revealed they received over 1,000 complaints from travelers largely due to airlines’ operational issues. This overwhelming number constituted 87% of all transport complaints received, underscoring how severe the travel disruptions have been.
According to the Council, "The Consumer Council received 1,052 complaints over airline travel, equaling 87% of all transport complaints received." Many of these complaints arose from frustrations over lengthy delays and unanticipated cancellations, which left passengers stranded at various departure lounges.
To assist with the recovery of the damaged aircraft at Belfast City Airport, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has mobilized resources to help Belfast City with the recovery effort. Graeme McQueen, DAA's media relations manager, expressed, "We are happy to help our neighbouring airport." The collaboration highlights the interconnectedness of the airports within the region, particularly during challenging circumstances.
Meanwhile, the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified of the incident and is conducting its investigation. A team of inspectors is set to examine the situation to determine the cause of the emergency landing and to improve safety protocols going forward.
Despite the disruption and frustrations faced by passengers, efforts continue to navigate the situation, with both local airports and regulatory bodies working diligently to resolve the aftermath of this emergency incident. Passengers are encouraged to stay updated on the situation as reports are expected to shape future travel plans.
Operations at Belfast City Airport are not expected to resume until Monday, leaving many travelers left uncertain and seeking clarity on their travel arrangements during this challenging time of heightened disruption and service constraints.
