A budget airline pilot has been hailed as a hero for guiding petrified passengers to Glasgow Airport following four aborted landing attempts in Edinburgh.
The EasyJet flight from Bristol to the Capital was forced to circle the city’s airspace for more than half an hour during high winds caused by Storm Arwen.
Terrified travellers told how those in charge of the Friday evening flight reacted ‘calmly and professionally’ in hair-raising conditions despite repeated unsuccessful bids to get the plane on the tarmac.
The flight was eventually diverted to Glasgow, where it was able to land at the first attempt.
"Bravo Captain and Crew on EZY429 Bristol to Edinburgh tonight,” one passenger wrote online.
“Four aborted landings and a diversion to Glasgow in the storm. Calmness and Professionalism personified. Won’t lie, I was scared. Thank you.”
Another added: “Thanks to the crew on EZY429 Bristol to Edinburgh/Glasgow this evening [Fri] who were very professional and kind despite the weather forcing plans to change.”
Wind speeds reached more than 60mph on Friday evening as Scotland wrestled with gale-force gusts.
A weather warning was put in place and remained until Saturday morning with both air and rail travel disrupted as a result.
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Passengers were later ferried from Glasgow back to Edinburgh by coach after the flight landed.
An easyJet spokesperson said: “easyJet can confirm that flight EZY429 from Bristol to Edinburgh was unable to land in Edinburgh due to winds gusting outside the limits of the aircraft and was required to divert to Glasgow.
“easyJet provided coach transfers for passengers from Glasgow to Edinburgh.
“The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority. While this was outside of our control we would like to apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused as a result of the weather and thank them for their patience and understanding.”
