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Aer Lingus Jet Approaches Dublin Airport Sideways Amid Storm Dave Winds
An Aer Lingus passenger jet approached Dublin Airport sideways during strong winds from Storm Dave on April 4. Footage released by the airport shows the aircraft descending with uneven wings before the pilot straightened it for a successful landing. The storm led to 17 flight cancellations, disrupting travel over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Apr 5, 8:46 AM·1m read1 source
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Dublin Airport experienced significant disruptions on April 4 due to Storm Dave, which brought severe gales and blustery showers to the region. An Aer Lingus passenger jet was forced to approach the runway sideways as strong wind gusts affected its descent. The Independent reported on footage posted by Dublin Airport capturing the incident, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by pilots.
The video, lasting 24 seconds, depicts the jet's wings tilting unevenly during the approach. Despite the gusts, the pilot managed to straighten the aircraft and complete a safe landing. Such maneuvers, known as crabbing, are standard procedures in crosswind conditions to maintain control and align with the runway.
Storm Dave, part of a series of Atlantic weather systems, intensified winds across Ireland and the UK. Met Éireann, Ireland's meteorological service, had issued warnings for gusts up to 80 km/h in eastern areas, including Dublin. These conditions posed risks to aviation operations, affecting aircraft stability during takeoff and landing.
The incident occurred as the airport prepared for increased traffic over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, which began on April 4 in Ireland. Dublin Airport, handling over 30 million passengers annually, serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights. Disruptions from the storm compounded existing pressures on travel schedules during this peak period.
In response to the weather, Dublin Airport cancelled 17 flights on April 4. This led to further travel disruptions, with crews displaced and passengers facing delays or rerouting. Airlines and airport authorities coordinated to manage the backlog, advising travelers to check updates via official channels.
Looking ahead, recovery efforts focused on clearing the schedule for subsequent days. The Irish Aviation Authority monitored ongoing weather patterns, with forecasts indicating easing winds by April 5. Passengers affected by cancellations were eligible for rebooking or refunds under airline policies, though the full impact on holiday travel remained under assessment.