Two easyJet flights took off from incorrect runway positions during the peak of last summer's travel season, a new report has disclosed. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) revealed that an Airbus A320-214 departed from a point further down the runway at London Luton than intended by the crew on June 13, 2025.
Details of the Incidents
Flight EZY2335, carrying 180 passengers and six crew members, landed at Málaga Costa del Sol Airport and returned to Luton later that day before the captain realized the mistake with the take-off point, the report stated. The aircraft was only 65 feet (19 meters) above the ground when it cleared the runway, according to AAIB findings.
Three weeks later, on July 6, 2025, another easyJet Airbus A320 departing Manchester Airport also took off from the wrong runway position. The flight, headed to the Greek island of Kos, continued its journey without further issues. However, investigators classified the event as a 'serious safety occurrence' that could have led to more significant consequences under different circumstances.
Airline Response
EasyJet stated it has conducted a review of its take-off operating procedures following the incidents. A spokesperson for the airline said: 'We are aware of the report and fully assisted the AAIB with its investigation. We will always take action to ensure we maintain the highest standards of safety. EasyJet's pilots are trained to the highest industry standards, and the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is easyJet's highest priority.'
Previous Incidents
Earlier this year, easyJet made headlines for an unusual request when five passengers were asked to leave a flight from London's Southend Airport to Malaga after the aircraft was deemed 'too heavy for safe take-off.' A spokesperson for the airport noted it was not the first time such a measure had been necessary. The incident on April 11, 2026, occurred after final calculations showed the plane could not take off within safety limits under the prevailing wind conditions.
While such situations are rare, they highlight the complex interplay of weather, physics, and engineering that underpins every commercial flight. In this case, a combination of a short runway and unfavorable wind prevented the aircraft from generating enough lift at its planned weight. One solution is for the aircraft to travel further along the runway to gain necessary lift, but at Southend Airport, this was not possible. Although the runway was extended in 2012, it remains relatively short at 1,856 meters (6,089 feet). In comparison, Stansted Airport's runway is 3,049 meters (10,003 feet), and Luton Airport's is 2,162 meters (7,093 feet).
