A passenger has told how a plane smashed into a walkway next to Edinburgh Airport terminal as flyers waited to board.
Arka Diusz said he and fellow flyers were then led onto the Qatar Airways aircraft before crew hurriedly removed them on Monday following an incident that is under investigation.
“We were told to get off the plane and given no information at all. We were really worried because no one knew what was happening,” Diusz said.
Later, Diusz was told by special assistance staff that the plane had collided with the air bridge linking the airport gate to the aircraft.
Diusz said passengers were told nothing as they boarded the plane as usual for the 2.45pm flight to Doha. Yet shortly after boarding, they were told to get off the plane.
READ MORE - Chambers Street Edinburgh: city centre street cordoned off in ongoing bomb scare
“We weren’t told anything else, just to get off the plane. We saw staff looking shocked and some seemed panicked and worried. We didn’t know what was going on. Then, we were given a bottle of water and nothing else for six or seven hours,” said Diusz.
A Swissport spokesperson, which operates the air bridge, said: “Swissport takes health and safety very seriously and an investigation is underway with our airline partner.”
Diusz said passengers were forced to stand around and wait with their luggage for hours while ground transport from the tarmac to the pick up zone was arranged and they spent another two or three hours near the taxi rank waiting for transport to hotels for the night.
“All together we were waiting for six or seven hours. Children were running around crying because they were cold and hungry. One of the airport staff gave up their last pack of crisps to a hungry child. At one point, Swissport lost all contact with us while we were standing outside in the cold,” he said.
“Swissport staff literally disappeared while this was going on and after being asked to help out with transport for the passengers, the Swissport manager also disappeared leaving the airport staff and us with no communication.
“We found out about the crash just before we finally managed to receive transport, but it wasn’t from our flight operator as they were nowhere to be seen. We were told by special assistance people that were taking care of disabled passengers. They were the ones that let us know what happened.”
A spokesperson for Qatar Airways said:
“We can confirm that Qatar Airways flight QR030 from EDI to DOH on Monday 26 September 2022 was delayed due to a minor incident where the airbridge made contact with the aircraft engine cowling while disconnecting prior to departure. All passengers were provided with hotel accommodations and assisted individually with regards to connecting flights. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this delay.”
Diusz said airport staff remained with passengers throughout the ordeal, and were as kind and supportive as possible. He said half of the passengers were taken to Manchester to stay overnight while half were accommodated in Edinburgh. Flights to Doha, Qatar were rescheduled today for both groups.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: "This incident will be investigated thoroughly as is normal practice and all parties are working to determine what happened.”
READ NEXT: Edinburgh passenger assaulted by aggressive man on train service
West Lothian teen's treasured first car torn apart by thieves for spare parts
Edinburgh weather: Met Office issues update as heavy rain set to batter capital
Top Edinburgh lawyer considers moving to England to pay less tax
West Lothian ghost estate families burn fence at homes they fought to leave for 18 years
