Passengers onboard an easyJet flight were unable to disembark on the Isle of Man due to ‘safety concerns’ before the plane was forced to return to Liverpool John Lennon Airport
An easyJet plane returned to the UK after landing in its destination without allowing the passengers to disembark.
The flight was sent back to Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport on Sunday after arriving on the Isle of Man at around 3.45pm. Those onboard couldn’t leave due to “safety concerns”, and the plane returned to where it had come from.
Speaking to Isle of Man Today, passengers said they were told it was too windy for ground crews to safely connect the aircraft stairs. They were told they were returning to Liverpool at around 5pm.
One passenger said they were given water during the delay. Children were allowed to visit the cockpit while they waited.
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A spokesperson for Isle of Man Airport told the Liverpool Echo that the steps were not put out due to the strong winds. This is in line with safety limits from the airport’s ground handling provider, Menzies Aviation.
The airport said: “Isle of Man Airport wishes to apologise to passengers affected by disruption yesterday. Due to strong and gusting winds, aircraft steps could not be safely deployed on some flights in line with established safety limits operated by the airport’s ground handling provider, Menzies Aviation.
“These limits are in place to protect passengers while boarding and disembarking. The variable wind conditions meant that flights were affected differently.
“As a result, some services were cancelled or diverted, and in one case an aircraft landed safely but passengers were unable to disembark and the aircraft subsequently returned to its departure airport.
“The airport continues to work closely with its service partners and operators to minimise disruption and ensure the highest standards of safety during adverse weather conditions.”
Geoffrey Pugh, the airport’s interim director, said: ‘We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of yesterday’s high winds.
“These were unusual circumstances and safety must always come first. While these measures are necessary to protect everyone at the airport, we understand the disruption this caused and appreciate the patience shown by those affected.”
An easyJet spokesperson said: “Due to strong winds on the Isle of Man yesterday evening resulting in ground handling services being suspended, customers on flight EZY517 from Liverpool were unable to disembark and as the weather was not expected to improve, the flight returned to Liverpool and was cancelled.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and we did all possible to minimise the impact of the weather for our customers, providing the option to rebook or receive a refund, as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who required them. While this was outside of our control, we are very sorry customers for the inconvenience caused.”
A Menzies Aviation spokesperson said: “Safety is our top priority. Our teams follow strict safety protocols, including those related to weather, and do not carry out ground operations when it is not safe to do so. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the patience of those affected.”
