Edinburgh Flight Crash Landing at Belfast Airport: Investigation Updates
An ATR 72 plane operated by Emerald Airlines for Aer Lingus crash-landed at Belfast City Airport after taking off from Edinburgh just before Christmas. The incident occurred around 4 pm on Sunday, December 22, as the aircraft attempted to land in high winds. The plane’s nose wheel collapsed upon landing, and emergency crews responded to the scene to address the crash. Fortunately, there were no passengers on board, only four crew members, and no reported injuries.
Impact on Flights and Holiday Plans
The crash led to the cancellation or diversion of all flights in and out of Belfast City Airport for the remainder of the day, causing chaos for many travelers’ Christmas holiday plans. The runway remained closed until the following day when it was reopened for operations, according to Belfast Live reports. The aircraft involved in the incident is currently grounded at the airport, awaiting further examination as part of the ongoing investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
Investigation Progress and Future Service Resumption
The AAIB spokeswoman stated that the investigation into the crash landing is ongoing and could take between nine to 12 months to complete. The aircraft has not been moved from the airport grounds as it undergoes additional examination work. Despite inquiries about when the plane will be fit to resume service, Emerald Airlines, the exclusive operator of Aer Lingus Regional services, has only mentioned ongoing reviews without providing a definite timeline. The spokesperson stated that due to ongoing reviews, they will not be giving further comments at this time.
In conclusion, the aftermath of the Edinburgh flight crash landing at Belfast Airport continues to unfold as investigators work to determine the cause of the incident. The impact on flight operations and holiday travel serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As the investigation progresses, updates will be crucial in understanding what led to the emergency landing and ensuring the safety of air travel for passengers and crew members alike.
