The flight had to divert for refuelling after a bird strike closed runways
Pilots operating an easyJet flight were forced to execute an emergency landing after running low on fuel.
The plane landed at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Sunday, January 25 for emergency refuelling. The aircraft had been scheduled to arrive at Bristol Airport at 10:00pm, but after striking a bird, it required an unexpected refuelling stop.
Despite the two-hour flight being redirected to an alternative airport, the plane ultimately touched down in Bristol at 12:12am – a two-hour delay from its original schedule. A bird strike at Bristol Airport resulted in the closure of all runways.
This affected flight U22708 as it was preparing to land. The incident necessitated a complete runway inspection to remove debris and guarantee the safety of all subsequent landings.
The easyJet aircraft was forced into a holding pattern which depleted its fuel reserves. The plane had to circle for several minutes as there was no available window to land on the shut runways.
The pilots declared an emergency, informing air traffic control of their dangerously low fuel levels.
Under emergency protocols, the aircraft was rerouted to Liverpool John Lennon Airport where it landed safely at 10:57pm. Following an hour of refuelling, the crew made their way back to Bristol, touching down at 12:12am.
