Two EasyJet aircraft experienced a ground collision at Manchester Airport on Friday morning, 15th August 2025, creating significant travel disruption for passengers. The incident occurred around 06:30 BST as both planes prepared for departure on international routes.
What Happened During the Collision
The collision involved two Airbus A320 aircraft that were taxiing to the runway when their wings made contact. One plane was scheduled to fly to Gibraltar (flight U22267), while the other was headed for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (flight U22117).
EasyJet planes clip wings at Manchester Airport
Phil Aspin, a passenger aboard the Gibraltar-bound flight, described the moment to the Manchester Evening News: “We were about to take off. They said it would be about 10 minutes, and we were second in the queue. There was sort of a crossroads on the runway. The best way to describe it is that there was a V, and we were turning to the left, and they were going to the right-hand side.“
Another passenger, Tynisha Chaudhry, compared the incident to a car crash. “We felt the whole plane shudder – it was a massive hit,” she told reporters.
Airport Response and Safety Measures
Following the incident, Manchester Airport implemented a temporary suspension of flight operations to ensure safety and allow for assessment of the aircraft. Both planes returned to their gates, where passengers disembarked safely.
Emergency services and airport staff responded immediately to the scene. Fire engines and safety personnel attended while passengers waited onboard during initial inspections. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.
The temporary flight suspension affected multiple departures scheduled between 06:00 and 08:00, causing delays for several thousand passengers across different airlines. Operations resumed within approximately two hours as normal procedures were restored.
EasyJet’s Official Response
An EasyJet spokesperson confirmed the incident: “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.“
The airline launched an immediate investigation to understand what caused the collision. Both affected flights were cancelled, with alternative arrangements made for passengers.
Impact on Manchester Airport Operations
Manchester Airport is EasyJet’s second-largest base by destinations served, with 93 routes. Current scheduling data shows that in August 2025 alone, EasyJet has scheduled approximately 3,906 flights to and from Manchester Airport, offering 733,054 seats.
The collision caused cascading delays for other EasyJet services departing from Manchester. The 07:15 flight to Porto, Portugal, departed at 08:41, while the 07:45 flight to Antalya, Turkey, departed at 08:31. Other airlines were not affected.
Photos shared on social media showed visible damage to at least one aircraft’s wingtip, with ground crew photographed lifting the damaged wing section.
Investigation and Aviation Safety Context
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified, and standard procedures for ground collisions will be followed to determine contributing factors. Investigators will review taxiway operations, aircraft spacing, and ground crew coordination to understand how the wing tips came into contact.
Ground collisions, while rare, remain a concern for aviation safety professionals. According to the Flight Safety Foundation, approximately 27,000 ramp accidents and incidents occur worldwide every year, with about 243,000 people injured annually in these ground-based incidents.
Manchester Airport maintains strict runway safety protocols to prevent such incidents. The airport defines runway incursions as “the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designed for the landing and take-off of aircraft.”
Passenger Rights and Compensation
Affected passengers have been provided with refreshment vouchers and alternative travel arrangements. Under EU regulations, passengers may be entitled to compensation for significant delays or cancellations, depending on circumstances.
This incident comes amid ongoing challenges for the aviation industry, similar to other recent travel disruptions. Earlier this year, travellers faced issues, including airlines offering refunds after the Qatar disruption and volcanic eruptions disrupting Bali flights.
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What This Means for Future Travel
The incident highlights the importance of robust ground safety procedures at busy airports. Manchester Airport serves millions of passengers annually and operates as a crucial hub for budget carriers like EasyJet.
While ground collisions remain relatively uncommon, they serve as reminders of the complex coordination required in modern aviation operations. Recent transport disruptions across the UK and various airport incidents demonstrate the interconnected nature of modern transport systems.
The investigation’s findings will likely contribute to improved safety protocols and training procedures for ground operations at Manchester and other airports.
