An easyJet plane due to depart Manchester Airport was surrounded by fire engines, and passengers were taken off after the pilot reported a smell of fumes in the cockpit.
Flight details and emergency response
Flight EZY 9143 was scheduled to depart from Manchester to Dalaman, Turkey, at 5:30pm on Thursday, August 20. As the aircraft was being pushed back ready for take-off, the pilot reported the smell of fumes in the cockpit, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Emergency services, including airport fire crews, attended as per protocol. However, the Manchester Evening News understands there was no fire. EasyJet stated there was a 'technical issue' with the Airbus A321, which meant it could not fly as planned, and the flight was cancelled. The airline described the emergency service response as 'a precaution only.'
Passenger arrangements and disruption
Passengers were disembarked, and the airline confirmed they have been given hotel rooms for the night. They are expected to fly on a replacement aircraft on Friday, August 21.
The emergency service response briefly held up a small number of other flights due to depart around the same time but did not cause any significant disruption. Around the same time, a fire alarm is said to have sounded in the terminal, but this is believed to have been unrelated and a false alarm.
Airline statement
An easyJet spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News: "Flight EZY9143 from Manchester to Dalaman was unable to operate on 20 August due to a technical issue with the aircraft. The aircraft was met by emergency services as a precaution only, and customers disembarked normally.
"Unfortunately, the technical issue meant the flight could not operate as planned. Customers have been provided with hotel accommodation and meals where required and are expected to continue their journey to Dalaman on Friday 21 August on a replacement aircraft.
"We are sorry for any inconvenience this will have caused and did all we could to minimise the impact of the disruption. The safety of our customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority, and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers’ guidelines."
