Passengers on an EasyJet flight departing Manchester Airport were forced to evacuate on Saturday morning after an incident on the tarmac.
According to Manchester Evening News, the evacuation was triggered when the aircraft tug — the vehicle used to push planes as they have no reverse gear — struck the plane’s front wheels.
The collision sparked a full emergency response, which is standard procedure for incidents of this kind. It is understood no passengers were injured.
Video posted on X by @gazefc67 shows emergency vehicles gathered on the tarmac as the evacuation took place.
Still on plane bound for Kos. Lanzarote flight next to us had an incident. We carnt move as little space. You maybe able 'to get a bus through there' but not a Boeing plane. pic.twitter.com/86s5VOTrSM
— Gazza (@gazefc67) September 13, 2025
Passengers were forced to disembark the aircraft and return to the terminal to allow for safety checks to be carried out on the vehicle.
The EZY 2029 flight was preparing to leave for Lanzarote when the incident occurred.
Manchester Airport said the incident did not cause disruption to other flights, although one gate was out of action as a result of the fault.
An easyJet spokesperson told Manchester Evening News: "Flight EZY2029 from Manchester to Lanzarote this morning has been delayed departing after the tug came into contact with the aircraft during pushback from the terminal.
"Emergency services attended the aircraft as a precautionary and routine measure only.
“Passengers disembarked and returned to the terminal where we are providing refreshments while we arrange for an alternative aircraft to operate the flight this afternoon."
“Safety is our highest priority and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the delay.”
