Emergency services responded to an incident involving an easyJet flight full of holidaymakers at Manchester Airport. The aircraft was getting ready to depart Terminal 1 for Lanzarote when the issue occurred due to a problem with the aircraft tug, a vehicle responsible for moving planes on the ground without a reverse gear. The tug made contact with the front wheels of the plane, prompting an emergency reaction from on-site rescue teams.
Passengers on flight EZY 2029 were asked to leave the plane for safety checks, although EasyJet clarified that it was not an evacuation. The incident did not affect other flights, but one boarding gate was temporarily closed as a result.
Pictures shared on social media depicted several emergency vehicles on the tarmac near Terminal 1. This response is part of standard protocol in such situations.
An easyJet spokesperson stated that flight EZY2029 was delayed due to the tug’s contact with the aircraft. Passengers disembarked as a precaution, and the airline arranged for another plane to operate the flight later in the day. Safety remains the top priority for the airline, and they apologized for any inconvenience caused by the delay.