EDINBURGH- easyJet (U2) diverted a scheduled service from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Keflavik Airport (KEF) after poor visibility affected the planned arrival. The aircraft instead landed safely at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) late on Sunday evening.
Passengers on the Manchester to Reykjavik flight operated by easyJet experienced an overnight delay while the airline arranged onward travel from Manchester Airport (MAN) the following day.
By ERIC SALARD – https://www.flickr.com/photos/airlines470/49030476262/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97285064
easyJet Flight Diverted to Edinburgh
The flight departed Manchester at 5:45 pm and was scheduled to land in Iceland shortly after 6:40 pm.
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft approaching Keflavik Airport (KEF) before diverting due to low visibility linked to adverse weather. The aircraft then proceeded to Edinburgh Airport (EDI), arriving at approximately 10:20 pm.
easyJet stated that the disruption resulted from extraordinary weather conditions. The airline confirmed that passenger safety remained the top operational priority. A replacement flight was scheduled for the following morning to minimise onward disruption.
Passengers received an apology and notification that the delay was outside the airline’s control. Accommodation and support were provided in line with standard delay protocols.
easyJet reiterated that safety standards guide all operational decisions, particularly during unstable weather conditions affecting approach and landing procedures.
Airlines routinely adjust flight plans when visibility deteriorates below safe operating thresholds. Diversions aim to ensure safe landing conditions while maintaining regulatory compliance.
In this case, the rerouting protected passengers and crew from landing risks associated with low visibility near Reykjavik.
Photo: By Laurent ERRERA from L’Union, France – Airbus A320-200 easyJet (EZY) G-EZTH – MSN 3953, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29837760
Similar Incident
Passengers on an easyJet service from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) to Isle of Man Ronaldsway Airport (IOM) landed safely on 15 December 2025 but were unable to leave the aircraft due to high winds that stopped ground crews from deploying mobile stairs.
The aircraft later returned to Liverpool (LPL) after more than an hour on the ground at Isle of Man Airport (IOM), marking a rare case where a completed landing could not proceed to disembarkation because of weather-related handling limits.
Flight EZY517 landed at Isle of Man Airport at around 3:45 PM local time. Sustained winds and powerful gusts exceeded the maximum safe thresholds used by ground handler Menzies Aviation for stair deployment. These restrictions are designed to prevent stairs from moving or tipping while passengers board or exit an aircraft.
Because the conditions were forecast to persist through the afternoon and early evening, the aircraft remained stationary with passengers onboard. Cabin crew provided water, and families were allowed brief cockpit visits to keep children occupied while the situation was assessed.
At around 5:00 PM, the captain informed passengers that the weather would not improve within operating limits. As a result, the aircraft departed the Isle of Man and returned to Liverpool, where the flight was cancelled.
Airport officials confirmed that this was the only aircraft that day able to land but unable to disembark passengers due to wind-related safety restrictions.
Passenger Care and Airline Response
easyJet stated that safety remained the top priority during the disruption. With handling services suspended, disembarkation was not possible within the airline’s safety standards.
Customers received support options, including rebooking or a refund, along with hotel accommodation and meals where required.
The airline also apologised for the inconvenience, explaining that the suspension of ground operations was driven entirely by weather and was outside the carrier’s control.
Photo: Handout
Ground Safety Protocols in Severe Weather
Menzies Aviation confirmed that the company follows strict operating limits to protect passengers and ground staff. When sustained winds or gusts exceed thresholds, equipment such as mobile stairs cannot be used safely. These measures reduce the risk of movement or collapse, especially on exposed airport aprons.
The ground handling provider acknowledged the disruption but stressed that the restrictions exist to prevent injury.
Operational Impact at Isle of Man Airport
Airport officials apologised to affected passengers and confirmed that several services on the same day were cancelled or diverted. The combination of high winds and gust patterns meant that safe handling operations could not continue for periods of time.
The incident highlights how weather events can disrupt operations even after a flight has landed safely, particularly at regional airports exposed to coastal winds.
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