Two EasyJet aircraft collided at Manchester Airport on Friday morning, clipping wings as they taxied to the runway for takeoff. The incident at around 6.30am led to a brief suspension of flights, although operations resumed within minutes.
The planes, bound for Gibraltar and Paris Charles de Gaulle, were able to return to a stand where all passengers disembarked. No injuries have been reported, the airport confirmed.
Passenger Tynisha Chaudhry, travelling to Gibraltar with her partner, described the collision as like a car crash. “We felt the whole plane shudder – it was a massive hit,” she told the BBC, adding that fire engines and safety crews attended the scene.
An EasyJet spokesperson said an immediate investigation had been launched. “The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority,” they stated, adding that replacement aircraft were being arranged and affected customers had been given refreshment vouchers.
The affected flights were EZY2267 to Gibraltar and EZY2117 to Paris. Some passengers posted about the incident on social media, with one noting: “Trip to Disney Paris has started well at #Manchesterairport #easyjet.” The airport’s departure board did not show wider delays.
