Norwich Airport was forced to close its runway for four hours this morning after a light aircraft caught fire during take-off, disrupting travel plans for hundreds of passengers and prompting a major emergency response.
The incident occurred at 8.30am when the small plane developed an engine fire whilst attempting to take off from the Norfolk airport. Six fire crews, ambulance services and police rushed to the scene, though remarkably no injuries were reported.
A spokesman for Norwich Airport confirmed: “We can confirm we are dealing with an incident involving a light aircraft which took place at 08:30 this morning. The runway is currently closed and is expected to reopen at 12:30 today.”
Dramatic Eyewitness Accounts
Passengers waiting in the terminal witnessed the dramatic incident unfold. One holidaymaker, who was preparing to board a flight, told local media: “We could tell something was wrong, we heard ‘crash! crash!’ over the radios. We went outside to have a look.”
The witness described seeing visible damage to the aircraft, stating: “The propellers on the plane looked bent, it did not look like there was any landing gear down.”
Norwich Aviation Centre, which operates from the airport, confirmed the aircraft had developed “a small fire in its engine on take off” but described the incident as “nothing major.”
Swift Emergency Response Prevents Casualties
Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service deployed crews from six stations across the county, including Sprowston, North Earlham, Carrow, Wroxham, Wymondham and Hethersett. However, the incident was brought under control before many of the responding units arrived at the scene.
Fire crews successfully made the scene safe by 8.48am, just 18 minutes after the initial emergency call. The rapid response and containment of the fire prevented any injuries, with the East of England Ambulance Service confirming their crews were stood down whilst en route to the airport.
A spokeswoman for Norfolk Constabulary said: “We were called to reports of an incident at Norwich Airport at 8.41am. We were briefly deployed before being stood down.”
Flight Disruptions Impact Passengers
The runway closure caused significant disruption to the morning flight schedule. A 9.40am KLM service to Amsterdam was cancelled, leaving passengers scrambling to make alternative arrangements. The Dutch capital serves as a major hub for Norwich passengers, offering connections to 155 destinations worldwide.
Airport officials advised all passengers to contact their airlines before travelling to the airport during the closure period. The knock-on effects of the runway closure were expected to impact flight schedules throughout the morning, though specific details of other affected services were not immediately available.
Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny
The incident marks the latest in a series of aviation emergencies at UK airports this year. In April, Norwich Airport experienced a similar closure when a light aircraft suffered an undercarriage collapse upon landing, though both occupants escaped without injury in that incident.
Light aircraft incidents, whilst relatively rare, highlight the importance of rigorous safety protocols and emergency preparedness at regional airports. Norwich Airport, located approximately three miles north of the city centre, handles both domestic and international flights, serving as a vital transport link for East Anglia.
Normal Operations Resume
Following the removal of the damaged aircraft and safety inspections of the runway, Norwich Airport confirmed operations would resume at 12.30pm as scheduled. The swift resolution of the incident demonstrated the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency procedures and coordination with local emergency services.
A spokesman for the airport reassured passengers that safety remained their top priority, with all necessary protocols followed to ensure the runway was safe for operations to resume.
Ongoing Investigation Expected
Whilst the immediate danger has passed, aviation authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the cause of the engine fire. Such investigations typically examine mechanical factors, maintenance records, and operational procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Civil Aviation Authority and Air Accidents Investigation Branch routinely investigate all aircraft incidents to maintain the UK’s strong aviation safety record.
As Norwich Airport returns to normal operations, the incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of emergency preparedness and the dedication of first responders who ensure passenger safety remains paramount in aviation.
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Image Credit (Shortened):
Norwich Airport – by Unknown author, licensed under an unspecified public license, via Wikimedia Commons.
