Plane 'too heavy' to take off, forced to leave passengers on runway
July 8, 2023
Plane 'too heavy' to take off, forced to leave passengers on runway
An EasyJet flight from Lanzarote to Liverpool has exceeded the safe weight requirements for take-off, forcing the pilot to ask a number of passengers to voluntarily disembark. -Photo file/EPA
LANZAROTE: A British passenger plane had to abandon 19 passengers on the runway after it was found to be too heavy to take off safely.
In a rare incident, an EasyJet flight from Lanzarote to Liverpool exceeded the safe weight requirements for take-off, forcing the pilot to ask a number of passengers to voluntarily disembark.
According to local media reports, the flight from Lanzarote Airport in Spain to John Lennon Airport in Liverpool was due to depart at 9.45pm (local time) on Wednesday, but was delayed due to the problem.
In a video that went viral on social media, the pilot explained the three main problems that caused the plane's flight delay -- weight, short runway, and unfavorable weather conditions.
"Thank you all for arriving here today. Because there are so many passengers this time, this plane is getting quite heavy.
"The heavy condition of the aircraft and the relatively short runway and unfavorable weather here in Lanzarote, meant that the aircraft was too heavy to take off," the pilot said in the viral video.
The pilot then proposed measures to lighten the plane where he asked about 20 passengers to voluntarily leave the plane with an incentive of €500 (about RM2,560).
"If possible, I would like to ask up to 20 passengers to voluntarily choose not to fly to Liverpool tonight.
"Incentives will be given if someone agrees voluntarily.
"The amount stated by Easyjet is up to €500 for each passenger who is willing not to fly tonight," the pilot added.
After some time, finally a total of 19 passengers agreed to get off the plane and re-enter the airport.