Two planes had to abort their landings just seconds before touching down at Dublin Airport amid the powerful Storm Bram that hit the U.K. earlier this week. In footage captured by an eyewitness on Tuesday, Dec. 9, an Aer Lingus plane is seen swaying from side to side as it approaches the runway. As it gets within feet of the tarmac, the nose of the aircraft suddenly shoots upward and it ascends back up into the sky. That flight was en route to the Irish capital from Seattle, according to Storyful.
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Additionally, another video shows a second smaller plane descending at an angle almost perpendicular to the runway it’s supposed to land on, being affected by the strong wind gusts before turning back up and also aborting its landing. The details of the airline and departure location of the smaller aircraft were not identified. This harrowing incident was a result of extreme weather conditions caused by Storm Bram, which wreaked havoc on the U.K., affecting parts of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England.
Dublin Airport shared on their official account that 91 flights were cancelled on the same day, with 49 inbound and 42 outbound flights affected by the storm. In addition, 10 flights had to be diverted to other airports as a safety precaution due to the challenging wind conditions. The aviation authorities highlighted that some aircraft faced difficulties in landing and taking off at Dublin Airport during the extreme weather, causing significant disruptions to travel schedules.
The storm, with winds reaching up to 80 mph, brought heavy rainfall and strong gusts, causing power outages and various disruptions across the U.K. Dublin Airport issued a statement addressing the impact of the storm on flight operations, emphasizing the potential for further disruption as strong winds were expected to persist. This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous conditions that pilots and air traffic controllers have to navigate during severe weather events.
In a similar event in October, a United Airlines flight from Newark, N.J., to London had to abruptly abort its landing due to extreme weather conditions caused by Storm Benjamin. Video footage from that incident showed the plane’s landing gear almost touching the runway before pulling back up into the air. The wings of the aircraft were visibly swaying, indicating the powerful gusts that posed a risk to safe landings.
These incidents highlight the critical role of pilot skill and air traffic control coordination in ensuring passenger safety during adverse weather conditions. Authorities continue to monitor and assess weather patterns to minimize risks and ensure the safe operation of flights. Despite the challenges posed by inclement weather, aviation professionals are trained to handle such situations effectively to prioritize the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members.
As we witness these heart-stopping moments captured on video, it serves as a reminder of the dedication and expertise required in the aviation industry to navigate challenging situations and prioritize safety above all else. The swift actions taken by pilots in aborting landings underscore the commitment to upholding the highest safety standards in air travel, even in the face of unexpected weather conditions. Such incidents are a testament to the resilience and professionalism of aviation professionals in ensuring the secure transportation of passengers worldwide.