Manchester Airport Incident: Brief Ground Pause After EasyJet Taxi Collision
Collision Occurred Early Friday Morning
At roughly 6:30 a.m. BST, during taxi preparations on the ground, two EasyJet Airbus A320 aircraft made contact while moving along the taxiway at Terminal 1. The planes were en route to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Gibraltar.
Immediate Response Safely Escorts Aircraft
- Both aircraft were heard to shudder, described by a passenger on the Gibraltar‑bound flight as a massive impact comparable to a car crash.
- Rapid arrival of fire engines confirmed a swift emergency reaction.
- All passengers and crew remained unharmed.
- Visible damage visible on at least one wingtips, but no serious mechanical faults were noted.
Brief Ground Stop Implements Flight Delays
Following the incident, Manchester Airport instituted a short ground stop affecting multiple flights scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., resulting in several thousand delayed passengers.
EasyJet Addresses Passenger Needs
EasyJet worked to accommodate travelers by offering alternative arrangements and refreshment vouchers where necessary. The airline confirmed the collision, emphasized that safety remains its highest priority, and assured that thorough inspections of both planes were completed before any further operations.
Investigation Underway
EasyJet stated that an investigation is underway to determine the collision’s cause.
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Manchester Airport Incident Restored to Normal Operations
After the aircraft were safely moved and the taxiway cleared, airport officials observed that standard flight schedules resumed without significant disruption.
Efficient Ground Collision Management
- Immediate Recovery: Operations returned to routine within a short period, minimizing impact on the day’s flight schedule.
- Safe Passenger Accommodation: Passengers were successfully relocated, ensuring uninterrupted travel.
AAIB Investigation Initiated
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified. Ground collision protocols are underway to identify contributing factors.
Key Investigation Focus Areas
- Taxiway Operations: Review of movement patterns to prevent future incidents.
- Aircraft Spacing: Analysis of distance between aircraft during taxi.
- Ground Crew Coordination: Evaluation of crew communication and procedure adherence.
EasyJet’s Safety Commitment
EasyJet confirms an active investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the collision, emphasizing the paramount importance of passenger and crew safety.
Ongoing AAIB Review
The AAIB will continue its comprehensive review, ensuring all safety protocols are upheld and all contributing factors are fully understood.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
