Chaos erupted on the runway at Manchester Airport this afternoon as terrified passengers were forced to make a hasty evacuation from a TUI flight bound for Turkey. The dramatic incident, involving a Boeing 737, unfolded just moments before takeoff after the crew reported a potential technical problem.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as holidaymakers scrambled for the emergency exits, with some reportedly fearing a fire onboard. The aircraft, flight TOM 346 to Izmir, was surrounded by emergency vehicles as airport operations ground to a halt.
'People Were Screaming and Pushing'
One shaken passenger recounted the moment the alarm was raised. "We were just about to take off when there was a loud noise and the captain came on saying we needed to evacuate immediately," they said. "People were screaming and pushing to get out. It was absolute bedlam – everyone was convinced the plane was going to catch fire."
Videos shared on social media show passengers sliding down the inflatable evacuation chutes onto the tarmac, clutching their hand luggage. The swift response from airport fire crews ensured the evacuation was completed without serious injury, though several passengers were treated for minor shock.
Major Disruption at Manchester Airport
The emergency incident caused significant disruption at one of the UK's busiest airports. The runway was temporarily closed, leading to a cascade of delays and cancellations for other flights. Departing aircraft were held at their gates while arriving flights were forced to circle or divert.
A spokesperson for Manchester Airport confirmed: "We can confirm that an incident involving a TUI aircraft occurred on the runway earlier today. The aircraft was evacuated as a precautionary measure. Emergency services attended immediately. The safety of our passengers and crew is our utmost priority, and an investigation into the cause is underway."
TUI Launches Investigation
TUI UK has since issued a statement apologising to affected customers. "We can confirm that flight TOM346 from Manchester to Izmir returned to stand today due to a technical issue," a spokesperson said. "The aircraft was evacuated as a precaution. The safety of our customers and crew is always our highest priority. We are providing support to those affected and are arranging for a replacement aircraft to operate the flight as soon as possible."
Passengers faced lengthy waits as airline staff worked to rebook them onto alternative flights and provide hotel accommodation for those facing overnight delays. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous safety procedures in place within the aviation industry, even when they lead to dramatic and unsettling scenes.
