Passengers applauded the pilot who managed to land the plane despite Storm Esha

By TravelWiseFeb 5, 2024 22:35 PMNews
Share:
Passengers applauded the pilot who managed to land the plane despite Storm Esha. Source: Freepik

Matthew Connell was one of the passengers on a British Airways flight returning from Ibiza to the UK yesterday. The flight was originally scheduled to land at London City Airport but was diverted to Gatwick due to stormy conditions and winds of over 90 mph. These challenging conditions put Matthew and his fellow passengers under stress as their pilot struggled to bring the rocking plane back to solid ground. The spectators applauded as the plane successfully landed.

Footage shot by Matthew shows the plane's window overlooking the dark asphalt runway below. The plane is visibly shaking, and its wings appear to be spinning and turning in the strong winds. In the background, passengers nervously laugh as the plane lurches from side to side during the landing approach. One person is heard saying, "Good luck, buddy," according to Deadline.

The plane slowly approached the runway, and passengers erupted in applause, congratulating the brave pilot on the successful landing. The camera panned to show the reactions of other passengers, and one man cheerfully exclaimed, "Go, freak, go."

Producer Matthew took to social media last night to share the footage, writing, "My flight from Ibiza to the City of London was diverted to Gatwick due to Storm Isha.

"I've taken many flights, but this was one of the most unstable approaches I've ever experienced. It was fun, but rough. You can feel the relief from the cockpit."

The post received more than 3,500 likes and over 100 comments from users who were impressed with the pilot's skill in dealing with the tailwind.

One person wrote, "There's something very pure about a plane full of passengers showing their appreciation for pilots they know are in difficult circumstances." Another said, "Flights where there is spontaneous applause after landing are a little bit good, a little bit terrible. Well done to all the pilots who flew safely yesterday."

A third commented, "We live under the flight path very close to the airport. Every time a plane flew over us yesterday, I said, 'Thank God I'm not flying in this plane today with this wind.'"

A British Airways spokesperson said today, "Like other airlines, we have had to make schedule adjustments due to adverse weather conditions across the UK and Europe caused by Storm Isha. We have apologized to our customers for any disruption to their travel plans, and our teams are working hard to get them on their way as soon as possible."

Top Articles

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News

Europe Implements New Measures to Manage Tourism Impact

Jun 15, 2025 19:48 PM

Qatar Airways changes booking rules for flights through the Middle East in June

Jun 15, 2025 17:26 PM

Late-night trains added after Sam Fender gigs in Newcastle

Jun 14, 2025 22:36 PM

Traffic Warning for Edinburgh Flyers During Highland Show

Jun 14, 2025 20:49 PM

Cathay Group Expands to 100 Destinations, Opening New Travel Opportunities for Passengers

Jun 14, 2025 18:33 PM

Summer Rail Suspension in Sardinia to Affect Travel Between Key Towns

Jun 14, 2025 16:54 PM

San Juan’s La Concha Returns with Major Changes After Long Closure

Jun 14, 2025 14:47 PM

Scandinavian and Vietnam Airlines to Link Northern Europe with Southeast Asia via New Codeshare

Jun 14, 2025 12:31 PM

SAS Expands Aalborg-Winter Routes, Opening Easier Access to Nordic Ski Destinations

Jun 13, 2025 23:23 PM

Verona Train Routes Suspended 15 June Amid WWII Bomb Removal

Jun 13, 2025 21:49 PM

Norfolk Rail Disruption: Buses Replace Trains Between Norwich and Ely This July

Jun 13, 2025 19:37 PM

New direct route from Amsterdam brings Cairo closer for travellers

Jun 13, 2025 17:51 PM

Krabi’s Natural Sites Gain Quiet Spotlight After Jurassic World Filming

Jun 13, 2025 15:44 PM

Air India Crash Near Ahmedabad Leaves Over 200 Dead Shortly After Takeoff

Jun 13, 2025 13:39 PM

New Resort in Crete Blends Comfort with Nature and Local Traditions

Jun 12, 2025 23:28 PM

SAS and WestJet to Launch Easier Canada–Scandinavia Connections from Summer 2025

Jun 12, 2025 21:42 PM

Train Disruptions Near Naples Affect Summer Travel Plans

Jun 12, 2025 19:34 PM

Virgin Australia Opens New Travel Opportunities to Europe and Africa via Doha

Jun 12, 2025 17:29 PM

One-Month Train Halt in Northern Italy Alters Summer Travel Routes

Jun 12, 2025 12:43 PM

New Flight Links via Rome Simplify Travel Between Europe and Distant Cities

Jun 12, 2025 02:35 AM

Concert Crowds Prompt Rail Changes Across Cardiff This Summer

Jun 11, 2025 23:24 PM

Emirates and Bahamasair Partnership Opens New Travel Routes to The Bahamas Through Florida

Jun 11, 2025 21:49 PM

Finnair Resumes Direct Flights from Helsinki to Toronto Starting in 2026 Expanding Travel Options

Jun 11, 2025 19:32 PM

Summer Train Closures in Northern Italy to Disrupt Access to Regional Destinations

Jun 11, 2025 17:26 PM

Air New Zealand Starts Domestic WiFi Trial on Selected Flights

Jun 11, 2025 16:48 PM

InterContinental Hotel to Open in Manchester Bringing New Options for Travellers

Jun 11, 2025 07:31 AM