UK: Positioning flight experiences hard landing at Belfast City Airport in Belfast Dec. 22, prompting closure of runway through rest of day

Authorities at Belfast City Airport (BHD) in Belfast, Northern Ireland, have announced on Dec. 22 that the airport's runway will be closed for the rest of the day after an Aer Lingus (EI) positioning flight experienced a hard landing at the facility at around 16:00. The plane's nose gear reportedly collapsed upon landing amid strong wind gusts. No serious injuries were reported among the four crew members on board; no passengers were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. BHD has enacted emergency measures following the hard landing, and emergency services personnel have deployed to the scene. Multiple flights have been diverted to Belfast International Airport (BFS) in connection with the incident.

Flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, will affect BHD through at least late Dec. 22. Lingering flight disruptions may affect the airport into at least early Dec. 23, especially if airlines need to clear passenger backlogs.