Stranded plane causes disruption at Sumburgh Airport

SUMBURGH Airport closed to all fixed wing traffic on Tuesday afternoon to allow recovery of an Eastern Airways plane which suffered a technical problem earlier in the day.

The Jetstream 45 aircraft appeared to have suffered a technical problem with its front wheels as it taxied to the terminal after landing at the airport earlier in the day.

All passengers on board the plane disembarked and were taken to the terminal building. The aircraft, however, has been blocking the main runway all day.

A spokesperson for airport operator Highlands and Islands Airports said this afternoon: “The aircraft remains on the runway. Eastern and airport personnel are coordinating to ensure it is checked and safely removed.

“HIAL has informed airline operators that fixed-wing operations can commence at official daylight tomorrow (Wednesday) This is expected to be 08:32, the airport would normally open at 07:45.  Weather is currently favourable and no cancellations have been received in regards to morning flights.

“Helicopter traffic is operating as normal.”