Belfast City Airport Shuts ⁢Down After Emergency Landing

Belfast City Airport closed⁤ its runway late Thursday afternoon following an emergency landing by an Aer Lingus aircraft. The incident, which occurred during periods ​of high winds, involved an Emerald Airlines plane operating a positioning ​flight for Aer Lingus. The aircraft, arriving ⁤from Edinburgh, Scotland, shortly after 4​ p.m. local ​time, had no passengers on board,⁢ only four​ crew members.

Initial ‌reports suggest the plane experienced​ a significant landing​ gear malfunction, possibly ‌a collapsed⁤ nose wheel. ‌ Images circulating on social media show the aircraft on the runway with emergency services present. Thankfully, no serious injuries where reported among the crew.

“We experienced a hard landing ‌upon arriving into Belfast City Airport due to adverse weather conditions,” stated an Emerald Airlines spokesperson in an official statement. the airport’s​ emergency procedures were immediately activated, according ‍to a ⁤Belfast city Airport spokesperson, who added, “The⁣ runway is currently closed and will be for the⁣ rest of the day. Passengers are asked to contact their airline.”

Flight Diversions and Airport Capacity

The⁤ closure resulted in immediate disruptions. ‌At least two flights, one ​from‍ London City Airport and another from Leeds Bradford Airport, were diverted to Belfast International Airport. ‍‌ A ⁢spokesperson for belfast International Airport confirmed the​ acceptance⁢ of these diverted flights but noted capacity limitations.⁣ “As we‌ have 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 but we will continue to support where ‌possible,” the spokesperson explained. “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.”

Passengers affected by the ​closures are advised to contact ‌their respective airlines for‌ updates and check the airport websites for the​ latest details.The ​runway at Belfast City Airport is expected ⁤to remain closed untill Friday.

This incident‍ highlights the challenges faced‌ by airports ⁣during periods of⁣ severe weather. ⁣The ‍fast‌ response of emergency ‌services⁢ and the coordinated efforts of both Belfast City and⁢ International Airports minimized potential risks and ensured passenger safety, despite the significant​ disruption.