News / Warning light forces Loganair plane back to Edinburgh
TWENTY two people heading to Shetland had their journey spoiled on Tuesday afternoon after their plane had to turn back to Edinburgh when a red light indicated smoke in the cargo hold.
The Loganair flight BE6995, which was also carrying three crew, landed safely at Edinburgh 20 minutes after take-off.
A company spokesman said: “It was quickly established this was a spurious warning but the pilot took the precautionary measure to return to Edinburgh where the service was met by emergency services as a standard procedure.
“A full inspection of the area was undertaken by engineers who confirmed that there was no evidence of smoke.”
Arrangements are now being made to transfer passengers to the 5.45pm flight from Edinburgh to Sumburgh, which is now estimated to depart at 7pm.
The afternoon flight from Sumburgh to Edinburgh was cancelled as a result of the disruption, inconveniencing even more people.
In a sign that Loganair’s long-standing punctuality problems are yet to be fully resolved, there were also delays of more than an hour on two flights to Sumburgh from Glasgow on Tuesday afternoon.
The BE6917 arrived at 2.59pm, some two hours and nine minutes behind schedule.
Meanwhile, it emerged that the Loganair flight from Orkney to Edinburgh carrying First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her entourage had to abort landing procedures at the very last minute, on Tuesday afternoon. The aircraft eventually landed safely at 5.26pm.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.