Flights stopped after two easyJet planes collide at major UK airport

Flights at a major UK airport have been stopped this morning after two easyJetplanes collided into each other.

Passengers at Manchester Airport faced delays and cancellations after two planes "clipped wings" on a runway early on Friday - which forced the airport to stop flights as a precaution. Safety checks took place before flights were able to resume but flyers have been warned they could still face delays following the travel chaos. A shocking image from a flyer on one of the impacted planes shared an image of the wings after impact.

One flyer, who was due to travel to Marbella, said: "Just on the plane at Manchester Airport and another plane has just hit our wing and took the wing off."

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The two easyJet planes involved in the incident will not be departing Manchester, with alternative arrangements set to be made for those affected. An easyJet spokesman said: "EasyJet can confirm that the wing tips of two aircraft came into contact whilst taxiing to the runway at Manchester Airport this morning.

"The aircraft returned to stand to disembark customers who have been provided with refreshment vouchers whilst replacement aircraft are arranged to operate the flights. We apologise to customers for the delay to their flights. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority."

According to the Manchester Evening News, the two easyJet flights had been due to take off at around 6.15am. One was bound for Gibraltar and the other was set for Paris.

Images shared online show a worker at Manchester Airport with part of an easyJet wing in his hand as the debris of the collision is cleared.

Some travellers who witnessed the collision on the runway took to social media to describe what they saw. One said: "Not the best start to the day for easyJet with two of their planes apparently colliding at Manchester Airport, half a wingtip missing from one!"

Another added: "Flights now resumed at Manchester Airport. Looks like 2 EasyJet flights have clipped Wing Tips. Can see G-EZUN has damage."

One family who were travelling to Disneyland Paris were on board one of the planes involved in the collision but now face delays. They wrote on social media: "Trip to Disney Paris has started well at #Manchesterairport #easyjet."

It comes after an urgent safety inspectionground trains to a halt between Manchester city centre and the airport on Wednesday.

Manchester Airport is the third busiest in the UK by passenger volume. It has three terminals, and two runways.