Belfast City Airport Shuts Down After Plane’s Emergency Landing
Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland temporarily closed its runway after an Aer Lingus aircraft experienced a dramatic emergency landing amidst severe weather conditions on December 23, 2024. The incident, involving a flight operated by Emerald Airlines on behalf of Aer Lingus, resulted in the closure of the airport for the remainder of the day and into the following morning.
The aircraft, carrying four crew members but no passengers, was on a “positioning flight” from Edinburgh, arriving shortly after 4 p.m. local time. Initial reports suggest the plane suffered a collapsed landing gear, a detail supported by social media images showing the aircraft on the runway with its nose gear apparently damaged and emergency services present. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported among the crew.
The unexpected closure lead to immediate disruptions. Two inbound flights, one from London City Airport and another from Leeds Bradford Airport, were diverted to Belfast International Airport. A spokesperson for Belfast City Airport confirmed the activation of emergency protocols,stating,”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.”
The impact extended beyond Belfast City. Belfast International Airport, while accommodating four diverted flights, reached near capacity. A spokesperson from Belfast International Airport explained the situation: “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.” They added, “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.”
Emerald Airlines acknowledged the incident in a statement, attributing the ”hard landing” to “adverse weather conditions.” Travelers are urged to contact their respective airlines for updates and check the airport’s website for the latest data.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by airports and airlines during periods of inclement weather. Similar situations in the U.S. have underscored the importance of robust emergency response plans and effective communication with passengers during unexpected disruptions. The examination into the cause of the hard landing is ongoing.
