Emergency services on runway following incident involving regional Aer Lingus flight

Emergency services have scrambled in response to an incident on the runway involving a regional Aer Lingus flight at Belfast City Airport this afternoon.

Images seen by Belfast Live appear to show fire crews on the runway dealing with the incident.

It was a positional flight, so there were no passengers on the plane. There were four crew members on board.

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The runway has been closed and is not expected to reopen until tomorrow. The incident is expected to cause delays and cancellations, and a number of inbound flights have already been diverted to Belfast International Airport.

The current scene at Belfast City Airport

In a statement, a spokesperson for Belfast City Airport said: “At around 16:00 today, Sunday 22 December, an Aer Lingus regional flight, operated by Emerald Airlines, had an incident on landing at Belfast City Airport.

Belfast City Airport in Belfast, Northern Ireland
(Image: REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne)

"This was a positioning fight with no passengers but four crew members onboard. The airport’s emergency procedures were enacted. The runway is currently closed and will be for the rest of the day. Passengers are asked to contact their airline.”

Aer Lingus have been approached for comment.

MLA Peter McReynolds said: "Concerned at the news coming through about Belfast City Airport. Grateful to all involved for their swift actions in managing the situation + relieved all staff are reported safe. If you’re due to travel tonight, please check for updates before departing as delays are expected."

British Airways flight BA8756 from London City and the Aer Lingus flight EI3673 from Leeds Bradford have landed at Belfast International Airport following diversions. Elsewhere, there are delays expected to most other flights arriving at Belfast City Airport.

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