Panic broke out at Edinburgh Airport in the Scottish capital after a Ryanair passenger aircraft collided with a fuel tanker. Following the incident, passengers on board the aircraft were evacuated as a precaution, while it was reported that there was no significant disruption to airport operations.
According to the information obtained, the incident occurred this morning shortly after 10:00 local time at Edinburgh Airport. The Ryanair aircraft, which was preparing to fly to Faro, Portugal, made contact with a fuel tanker while taxiing towards the runway after passengers had boarded. Emergency procedures were activated following the collision.
A passenger on board described the incident to The Scottish Sun, saying, “It was quite frightening. The pilot spoke over the intercom trying to say that the situation was not as serious as it looked. The aircraft had just started moving and hit the fuel tanker. Fortunately, we were not at high speed.” The same passenger stated that they were informed the aircraft was no longer usable.
Statement from the Airport and Authorities
An Edinburgh Airport spokesperson confirmed that the incident had taken place, while rejecting claims that the collision led to any fire. Authorities emphasised that there was “no serious disruption” to flight operations across the airport. The airport’s official departure screens also showed that only limited delays occurred after the incident.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) stated that they responded to reports of “an aircraft colliding with a fuel tanker.” As a precaution, six fire engines and specialist teams were dispatched, but it was noted that only one vehicle was required at the scene. It was stated that no further intervention was necessary.
Passengers Continued Their Journey on a New Aircraft
Following the incident, passengers were taken back to the airport terminal, and a replacement Ryanair aircraft was assigned for the Faro flight. It was learned that passengers continued their journey on the new aircraft and were given £3 spending vouchers to use at the airport. However, some passengers reacted to the situation by describing it as “a complete fiasco.”
In a statement by Ryanair, it was confirmed that the wingtip of the aircraft made contact with the cabin of a fuel tanker during departure preparations. The airline stated that passengers were disembarked in line with standard procedures and that the flight was operated with a replacement aircraft.
