‘Catastrophic’ bearing failure caused plane to skid off runway at Leeds Bradford, report saysLeeds Bradford Airport re-opens but storm continues to disrupt rail services

Leeds Bradford Airport has re-opened after a plane veered off the runway in yesterday’s storm Babet.

The TUI Airways flight from Corfu went off the runway and onto the grass after landing at around 1.53pm in heavy rain. None of the  195 passengers and crew were injured.

The LBA team said it and its partners had worked tirelessly throughout the night in torrential conditions to recover the aircraft in order to safely reopen the runway and airport.

The airport put out this statement at 12.30 today.:

Passengers travelling should contact their airline to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport as there will be continuing disruption.

We understand the significant disruption and inconvenience for passengers departing for their holidays and returning home. We are grateful for the patience and understanding our passengers and business partners have shown during this difficult time.

It thanked staff and passengers for their patience:

We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in supporting the effort dealing with the incident, disruption and recovery of the aircraft in exceptionally difficult conditions.

Once again, we would like to thank our passengers for their cooperation and understanding during this challenging period.

LNER warns people not to travel

LNER meanwhile, has warned rail passengers not to travel today as the severe weather continues to cause major disruption to services.

In a statement LNER said:

Due to ongoing flooding of the route between Doncaster and Wakefield, speed restrictions in Scotland and trains and crews being out of position following yesterday’s extensive disruption, an extremely limited service is in operation and services may be subject to short-notice cancellation.

There are no LNER services operating north of Edinburgh. Due to road closures, rail replacement is not available.  Other train operators are also subject to disruption.

Tickets will be valid for travel between Monday 23 October and Friday 27 October 2023 or fee free refunds will be possible from the original point of purchase.

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Leeds Bradford Airport closed after plane skids off runway

Leeds Bradford Airport has closed after a plane arriving from Corfu came off the runway this afternoon.

The TUI Airways flight is believed to have overrun the runway and veered onto the grass taxiway at around 1.53pm.

Emergency services are at the scene. No injuries or fires have been reported.

Leeds Bradford Airport issued a statement saying:

“We can confirm the airport is now closed.

“We ask passengers to contact their airline to check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.

“There are no reported injuries from today’s incident and all passengers have now safely disembarked the aircraft.”

Pic: pipsqueek01/cat_cutmore/BantamDxn on Twitter.

A spokesperson for TUI added:

“We are aware of an incident at Leeds Bradford Airport this afternoon, in which upon landing flight TOM3551 slightly veered off while turning into the taxiway.

“There are no reported injuries, and our ground team are on hand to support passengers as they disembark.”

The aircraft landed amid Storm Babet – a weather warning of wind and rain that has hit the UK.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement at 1.57pm:

“Remaining crews are now assisting in evacuating all persons from the aircraft to the terminal.”

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New cafe due to open in Harrogate today

A new cafe is due to open in Harrogate town centre today.

Central Cafe is located on Oxford Street, between travel agent TUI and stationers Jespers of Harrogate.

The unit has been empty for almost two years since The Works vacated the site.

The discount books and stationery store moved over the road into the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill in October 2021.

According to signs in the window, Central Cafe will open today and specialise in gelato and crepes.

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Leeds Bradford completes inaugural TUI flight to Dubrovnik

Leeds Bradford Airport has completed its inaugural TUI flight to Dubrovnik in Croatia.

The first flight of the the new summer route departed yesterday at 1.55pm and will be followed by weekly flights operated by the airline.

In addition to Dubrovnik, TUI will increase the number of flights from Leeds Bradford to Turkish destinations Antalya and Dalaman. From May 24, twice weekly flights will depart to both destinations.

Leeds Bradford has 80 destinations on its 2023/24 schedule.

Nicola McMullen, aviation director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said:

“We’re thrilled to launch Dubrovnik and offer more holiday destinations than ever before at LBA.

“These routes are proven to be popular amongst customers for good reason and we’re pleased that we’re able to meet demand from across the region with increased capacity.”

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Leeds Bradford Airport announces new flights to Turkey and Croatia

A holiday operator has announced new flights to Turkey and Croatia from Leeds Bradford Airport following the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

TUI said it would now operate flights to Antalya and Dalaman, both in Turkey, and Dubrovnik in Croatia from Leeds-Bradford.

The airport, which is used by people across the Harrogate district, described the announcement as “exciting news”.

https://twitter.com/LBIAirport/status/1574427245481005057

 

TUI added the destinations from LBA after it was announced that Doncaster Sheffield Airport would close.

The last flights are due in November and the new Leeds Bradford destinations are expected to start in summer next year.

The holiday operator has also increased flights at Manchester and East Midlands airports following the decision.

Peel Group, which owns DSA, announced the closure after it said the airport was “not viable due to its lack of adequate forward revenues and high operating costs”.

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