A TUI Airways flight from Cape Verde was forced to declare an emergency and divert to East Midlands Airport after a trespasser shut down a runway at Manchester Airport on Friday night. The incident, which involved a 17-year-old detained under the Mental Health Act, disrupted at least 23 flights, with six diverted and around 17 held in holding patterns.
Emergency declared as fuel ran low
Flight BY439, travelling from Aristides Pereira International Airport in Cape Verde, was five hours into its journey when it began its approach to Manchester. Air traffic control instructed the pilot to remain in the air until the security breach was cleared, placing the aircraft in a holding pattern at 6,000 feet over the Peak District, according to aviation news site AirLive.
After approximately 20 minutes in the holding pattern, the crew declared a general emergency using squawk code 7700 as fuel supplies dwindled. Air traffic control promptly diverted the plane to East Midlands Airport, a short distance away, where it landed and was refuelled within an hour before returning to Manchester. The second leg of the journey took just 18 minutes.
Security breach details
Greater Manchester Police said officers responded to reports of a male who was 'air side' at the airport at around 11.20pm on Friday. A 17-year-old was detained under the Mental Health Act, and inquiries are ongoing.
The security breach blocked landings on a runway at the UK's third-busiest airport for a period on Friday night. In addition to the TUI flight, six other flights were required to divert, while a further 17 or so were held in holding patterns, according to AirLive.
Impact and response
The incident caused significant disruption to Friday night operations at Manchester Airport, affecting both arriving and departing flights. The TUI flight's diversion to East Midlands Airport highlighted the quick response by air traffic control to ensure passenger safety.
Greater Manchester Police's response led to the detention of the teenager, and the investigation continues. Passengers on the affected flights experienced delays, but no injuries were reported. The airport resumed normal operations after the security breach was cleared.
