‘Extremely tense’ flight diverted by thunderstorm
● Plane stuck on tarmac before resuming journey across Scotland
Passengers endured an “extremely tense” overnight flight to Edinburgh after initially being diverted to Glasgow because of a thunderstorm around the capital which made it unsafe to land.
The Easyjet plane from Athens landed in Glasgow around 1.15am on Wednesday – but those on board then waited two hours for the aircraft to be refuelled before the pilot decided to fly on to Edinburgh, arriving around 4am.
An Easyjet spokesperson said the captain made a decision to fly to Edinburgh because weather conditions had improved. But one passenger on board the plane told The Scotsman they were not given any update about the weather improving before they left Glasgow for Edinburgh and that, after a longer than expected 30 to 40 minute flight, they were still seeing sporadic bursts of lightning outside the aircraft on the approach to the airport.
However, the passenger described seeing a “huge amount of visible lightning” on the first approach to Edinburgh earlier in the night.
The passenger, who was travelling with their family, said: “Needless to say it was an extremely tense flight for all the passengers during that time. The length of the flight was leading to a growing realisation of the potential risks involved, and whether we would be able to land safely in Edinburgh or return to an uncertain future again in Glasgow.”
One Ryanair flight from Hungary circled several times near Edinburgh before diverting to Prestwick because of the stormy weather on Tuesday night
The Easyjet passenger said the captain advised them about five or six other Edinburgh bound aircraft were diverted to Glasgow that night, and they were concerned about the wait for refuelling in Glasgow and felt alternative coach transport could have been arranged.
But the pilots deemed it safe to fly back to Edinburgh which meant ground transport was not required.
An Easyjet spokesperson said: “We can confirm that flight EZY6966 from Athens to Edinburgh on August 11 diverted to Glasgow as a result of thunderstorm activity in
Edinburgh. The captain took the decision to refuel the aircraft and depart once weather conditions improved.
“Easyjet operates our aircraft within strict limitations and our pilots are trained to the highest industry standards. The weather had improved sufficiently which meant that it was safe to return to Edinburgh.”