On December 22, 2024, an ATR 72 operated by Emerald Airlines for Aer Lingus faced strong winds during its landing at Belfast City Airport. Gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour caused the aircraft’s nose landing gear to collapse.
The aircraft, carrying four crew members and no passengers, reported no injuries. However, following the incident, the runway was closed, leading to cancellations and diversions of all flights to and from Belfast City Airport just days before Christmas.
Aircraft Remains Parked
According to Belfast Live, the plane is still parked at the airport in Northern Ireland a month after the incident. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) confirmed that the aircraft has not been moved for further inspections. A spokesperson noted, “The investigation could take between nine months to a year to complete,” emphasizing that it is too early to provide updates.
Emerald Airlines’ Statement
Emerald Airlines stated that the plane made a hard landing during its approach from Edinburgh to Belfast due to adverse weather conditions. The airline declined to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
A Belfast City Airport spokesperson noted that emergency procedures were activated immediately after the incident. The runway remained closed throughout the day, and passengers were advised to contact their airlines for updates.
Christmas Travel Disruption
The December 22 incident caused significant disruptions on routes such as Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, and London City. With flights canceled or diverted, the situation created chaos for travelers during the busy holiday period.
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