Gusting winds and driving rain prevented BA passenger plane landing safely at Belfast City Airport on Sunday.
The BA 1416 from London Heathrow approached the city airport but the pilot continued over Belfast and towards Carryduff before circling over the Irish Sea at Co Antrim.
Responding to adverse weather conditions at the loughside airport, the pilot sought permission to divert to Belfast International Airport to land there.
The 312 mile flight normally takes 56 minutes with an average flight speed is 331 mph.
However the Valentine’s day flight that was due to leave Heathrow Terminal 5 at 10am, took off late and arrived into Northern Ireland at 1220.
Passengers were assisted with travel to their original destination, Belfast City Airport, where a number had left cars in the carpark and others had arranged to be picked up.
A spokeswoman for British Airways, said: “The safety of our customers and crew is always our priority. Our highly skilled pilots took the decision to divert due to adverse weather.
“We have apologised to our customers and helped them continue on with their onward journey.
A spokesman for Belfast International Airport : “A British Airways flight to Belfast City from London Heathrow was diverted to Belfast International due to weather conditions. The flight landed safely.”
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