BBC: Glasgow Airport, Flights delayed after Jet2 evacuation

bbc.co.uk

The Jet2 aircraft was preparing to take off on a flight to Alicante. 

Passengers had to be evacuated from the jet via an emergency chute

Flights at Glasgow Airport have been suspended after 17 people were injured during the emergency evacuation of an Alicante-bound plane on the runway.

The captain of the Jet2 737 aircraft made an emergency stop at 07:40 after smoke was detected in the cabin.

Passengers and crew left the aircraft using the emergency exits.

Four people were taken to hospital and another 13 people received medical treatment at the scene for minor injuries. The runway remains closed.

The Boeing 737 was preparing to take off when the captain instigated an emergency stop on the runway.

All 189 passengers were taken off the plane using the emergency chute.

Strathclyde Police said that 17 people were hurt during the incident, with four being taken to hospital and 13 being treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Crews from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue were called out to assist firefighters based at the airport.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "We are currently dealing with an ongoing incident at Glasgow Airport involving a 737 aircraft following reports of smoke within the cabin.

"Emergency services are in attendance and the passengers have been evacuated as a precaution."

A statement from Jet2 said: "This morning's flight LS177 from Glasgow Airport to Alicante made an emergency stop on the runway just prior to take-off.

"The aircraft was forced to curtail take-off due to smoke in the cabin.

"All 189 passengers have disembarked the aircraft."

It is believed that 12 departures - mostly international flights - have been delayed by the incident.

Six arrivals have been diverted to Edinburgh Airport.

A flight to Dublin has been cancelled and the runway remains closed.

bbc.co.uk