A Jet2 Boeing 737-800 temporarily left the runway at Birmingham Airport (BHX) on Sunday after landing in high winds generated by Storm Boelo, the airline confirmed.
What happened
The aircraft arrived from Venice and, on touchdown at Birmingham, veered left and moved onto the surrounding grass before returning to the tarmac. Jet2 said the aeroplane has now taxied to the stand and that all passengers disembarked as normal.
“Flight LS1310 from Venice to Birmingham temporarily moved off the runway after landing at Birmingham Airport earlier this afternoon, due to exceptional weather conditions caused by Storm Boelo. The aircraft immediately returned to the runway and has now taxied to the stand. We can confirm that everyone has disembarked as normal.” — Jet2 spokesperson
Weather and disruption
Storm Boelo brought strong winds across the UK on Sunday. Reporting of the storm cited gusts of 60–70mph in many areas and up to 80mph in exposed coastal locations, with the highest recorded gust 82mph on Tiree in the Inner Hebrides.
The Met Office forecast wind gusts in the Midlands that day, and an amber wind warning remained in place until 21:00 in parts of the country. Birmingham Airport experienced widespread delays before the runway excursion: at the time of reporting, all 20 flights visible on the online departures board had been delayed prior to eventual departure.
Flight details
| operator | flight | origin | destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet2 | LS1310 | Venice | Birmingham (BHX) |
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
- Outcome: aircraft returned to runway, taxied to stand; all passengers disembarked
- Cause cited by operator: exceptional weather conditions from Storm Boelo
Footage shared on social media captured bystanders reacting to the touchdown and excursion. Local reporting noted the storm had caused disruption at the airport throughout the day, including delayed departures of services such as easyJet and KLM routes.
No injuries or further safety details were reported by Jet2 in its statement. The airline's confirmation is the primary public account of the event at present.
Any investigation into the runway excursion, and whether the event will be recorded as a serious incident by the relevant authorities, has not been announced in the airline statement.
