In the midst of some adverse weather conditions, the nose wheel of an Aer Lingus regional flight gave way upon landing in Belfast. Operated by Emerald Airlines, this flight aimed to reposition the aircraft rather than serve passengers, thus only four crew members were on board. Luckily, no passengers were present at the time of the incident.
The mishap occurred around 4pm on Sunday, leading to a temporary closure of the Belfast City Airport runway. Emergency procedures were promptly set in motion as airport staff raced to address the situation. With the runway out of commission for the remainder of the day, several incoming flights had to be diverted to Belfast International Airport.
Emerald Airlines acknowledged the role of the stormy weather, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph, in causing the hard landing. These conditions have been wreaking havoc across the UK’s transportation systems, impacting everything from flights to ferries. A spokesperson from Heathrow Airport mentioned the cancellation of approximately 100 flights due to these harsh winds and airspace limitations; however, they assured that the majority were still operating smoothly.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service dispatched teams to the site to assist the airport fire service. A social media update detailed that 24 personnel worked collaboratively to secure the area. After ensuring everything was safe, they left the scene.
Meanwhile, at Belfast International Airport, the redirected flights added strain to an already busy schedule. A spokesperson explained that while they were nearing capacity, they are committed to accommodating these extra flights as best as they can. They urged passengers to reach out to their respective airlines for any updates and requested patience as operations continued.
In the end, the nose wheel collapse incident at Belfast City Airport served as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges posed by severe weather. Both airport staff and emergency responders showcased commendable cooperation as they swiftly managed the situation, ensuring safety and efficiency amidst the chaos.
Source: News.sky
