Edinburgh Airport: easyJet plane evacuated after wing strikes lamppost before take off
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Passengers on a Bristol-bound flight at Edinburgh Airport have been forced to leave the plane after its wing struck a lamppost shortly before take off.
The easyJet plane was preparing to take off from Edinburgh Airport at around 1.15pm when its wing collided with a lamppost.
Pictures and video seen by the Edinburgh Evening News show ground staff working on the aircraft following the incident.
A passenger who was on the flight said: “The pulley went too far and the whole plane shook. easyJet are an hour delayed now. We are de-boarding and going to different gate. Waiting for new aircraft.”
In an update to passengers, the airline said that the disruption is ‘considered to be an extraordinary circumstance’.
The update said: “We’re sorry that your flight has been delayed. This is due to damage to your plane whilst being pushed off the parking stand. We are preparing your new plane currently, and our crew and ground crew will be getting ready to transfer you soon. To allow for this, we have delayed your departure time.
“This disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance.”
An easyJet spokesperson said: “We can confirm that flight EZY218 from Edinburgh to Bristol this afternoon was delayed on departure after one of the aircraft’s wings experienced some minor damage during pushback.
“The aircraft returned to stand and customers disembarked into the terminal while we arranged a replacement aircraft to operate the flight, which has now departed.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delay."
Edinburgh Airport has been contacted for further comment.
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