Flights at Belfast City Airport have been cancelled after an incident on the runway from an AerLingus aircraft which has sparked a large emergency service response
Emergency services have rushed to a large airport after an aircraft was forced into a “hard landing” due to a problem with its landing gear.
Whilst trying to land at Belfast City Airport, an Aer Lingus regional flight operated by Emerald Airlines saw problems arise due to the strong winds which are battering the UK. On Saturday, a yellow weather warning was put in place which is expected to last until later tonight. As a result, gusts of up to 82mph have hit and people travelling home for Christmas have been affected.
Pictures from the scene show fire crews on the runway helping deal with the incident. It’s believed the flight was arriving from Edinburgh when the nose gear collapsed, leaving the four crew members onboard concerned. It’s reported the plane was battling winds of around 50mph in the country when it tried to land.
A spokesman for the airport said: “At around 4pm today, Sunday 22 December, an Aer Lingus regional flight, operated by Emerald Airlines, had an incident on landing at Belfast City Airport. All flights to and from the airport have now been cancelled for the rest of the night.
“This was a positioning fight with no passengers but four crew members onboard. The airport’s emergency procedures were enacted. The runway is currently closed and will be for the rest of the day. Passengers are asked to contact their airline.”
Antony Ochieng, also known as Turbinetraveler on X says he has seen footage of the incident, writing: “Dramatic Moments Captured! Incredible shots by Michail Savekin show Aer Lingus Regional ATR 72 (G-CMMK) slamming nose-first onto the runway at Belfast City Airport during strong winds, leading to a nose gear collapse. Sparks flew as the aircraft skidded down the runway. A hard landing for sure!”
A spokesman from Belfast International Airport, the city’s other site which has taken on some diverted flights, added: “Following the incident at Belfast City Airport this afternoon we have taken four diverted flights. As we already had a heavier schedule than usual, we are now, with these additional flights, close to capacity so we are limited in how many more redirected flights we can take this evening, however we will continue to support where possible.
“Our website will carry the most up to date information for arrivals and departures and if anyone has any queries they should be directed to the airlines. Given the circumstances, our teams on the ground are working to help these additional flights as quickly as possible. We would ask for passengers’ patience as we support each additional flight.”
A spokesperson from Emerald Airlines told BelfastLive : “An Emerald Airlines positioning flight, EA701P, with no passengers on board, flying from Edinburgh to Belfast City Airport, December 22 2024, experienced a hard landing upon arriving into Belfast City Airport due to adverse weather conditions.”
Ferries, flights and roads have been affected heavily as weather continues to torment England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Hundreds of people in Portugal have been left stranded after EasyJet flights from Madeira to London were cancelled because of the strong winds – leaving them scrambling to find alternative routes home.
A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Fire Rescue Service (NIFRS) said: “NIFRS attended an incident at Belfast City Airport at 16:15 on Sunday 22nd December. Four Appliances, a Specialist Rescue Team, a Command Support Unit, and 3 Officers were at scene. At 16:34 NIFRS scaled back our response. We currently have 1 appliance and 3 officer’s on scene.”
Member of the Legislative Assembly, Peter McReynolds, from the Alliance party, wrote on X: “Concerned at the news coming through about Belfast City Airport. Grateful to all involved for their swift actions in managing the situation + relieved all staff are reported safe. If you’re due to travel tonight, please check for updates before departing as delays are expected.”
