Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Airport Vehicle Collides with easyJet Aircraft at Paris Orly, Disrupting Travel Schedules
A ground service vehicle has collided with a stationary easyJet airliner at Paris Orly Airport, causing significant travel disruptions. The incident, which occurred early this morning, involved a service lorry and an Airbus A320, resulting in flight cancellations and grounded operations for the aircraft.
Flight to Rome Cancelled, Extensive Delays Expected
The easyJet plane, scheduled to depart from Paris to Rome, was forced to cancel its flight following the tarmac accident. According to sources, the aircraft was slated to complete six flights throughout the day but is now out of service for mandatory safety inspections.
An insider revealed, “The plane was inoperable for takeoff. Flight schedules have been significantly impacted. This major incident is estimated to result in costs exceeding £100,000.”
Visual Evidence of Substantial Aircraft Damage
Photographs from the scene depict the service lorry’s windscreen completely crushed as it remains lodged beneath the passenger jet. Visible damage to the aircraft’s fuselage is evident, highlighting the impact of the collision.
At the time of the incident, no passengers were aboard the 146-seat aircraft.
Investigation Underway into Collision Cause
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the airport tarmac collision. Initial inquiries are exploring the possibility of driver error, specifically if the truck driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, as reported by sources.
Airline Statement Confirms Incident and Inspection
easyJet issued a public statement confirming the event:
- “easyJet confirms that an airport vehicle made contact with one of its aircraft at Paris Orly Airport.”
- “The aircraft was parked overnight and unoccupied by passengers at the time.”
- “The aircraft will be subject to all necessary inspections and repairs, adhering to manufacturer guidelines.”
Series of Recent Ground Vehicle and Aircraft Incidents
This incident follows a similar occurrence earlier in the month in Italy where a catering truck struck an aircraft, causing flight disruptions and passenger inconvenience:
Milan Malpensa Airport Incident Earlier This Month
On March 5th, a Boeing 777 at Milan Malpensa International Airport was hit by a food service vehicle while parked at approximately 11:30 am. The collision caused considerable damage, including a large dent to the aircraft’s exterior.
The LATAM operated, 392-seat aircraft, preparing for a 12-hour journey to Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport, was undergoing refueling when the incident happened. The resulting damage to the plane’s underside led to the flight’s cancellation.
Post-collision imagery revealed a significant hole near the tail section, with the rear underside skin visibly torn. LATAM Brazil confirmed the flight cancellation due to the catering truck’s contact with the aircraft’s fuselage and stated that no injuries were reported.
Prior Incident at London Stansted Airport in 2023
In 2023, another ground vehicle incident involved a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 at London Stansted Airport. A truck collided with the aircraft, damaging the vehicle’s roof and causing a tear in the plane’s wing.
Driver Fatigue Cited in Stansted Airport Collision
During the London Stansted incident, there were 103 passengers and six crew members aboard the Ryanair plane. An investigation into the Stansted crash determined that driver fatigue and distraction were the primary causes of the accident.