On November 24, 2024, Wizz Air flight W61305 from Warsaw to London Luton declared an emergency mid-flight, necessitating a priority landing at Manchester Airport. The Airbus A321-200, registered as HA-LTA, was forced to divert due to severe weather conditions involving high winds and potential windshear, which posed significant safety risks to landing at the intended destination. The flight, which was carrying 165 passengers and six crew members, had been in the air for approximately three hours when it encountered the adverse weather.
.gif)
After circling Luton Airport for about 20 minutes, the crew decided to divert to Manchester, where conditions were more favorable. The pilots declared the emergency by squawking 7700, the universal code for an in-flight emergency, signaling the need for immediate landing priority. Upon landing at Manchester Airport at around 19:54 GMT on Runway 23R, the aircraft was met by emergency services as a precaution. The decision to land in Manchester was influenced by the strong winds gusting up to 34 knots at Luton, which could compromise the safety of the landing, especially given the aircraft's weight and configuration.
Wizz Air confirmed the safety of all passengers and crew, emphasizing that safety remains the airline's top priority. "Our crew are trained to handle such situations, and we thank them for their professionalism," a spokesperson for Wizz Air stated. Passengers were provided with accommodations and assistance for rerouting to their original destination or alternative travel arrangements. The diversion and subsequent emergency declaration highlight the challenges airlines face with unpredictable weather, particularly in regions like the UK, where weather can change rapidly. It also underscores the importance of pilot training and decision-making in ensuring passenger safety during such events.
The aircraft involved in the incident, HA-LTA, was inspected post-landing to ensure no damage was sustained during the ordeal. Manchester Airport managed the situation efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to other flight operations while prioritizing the safety of the diverted flight. This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of aviation and the critical role that both crew and air traffic control play in managing emergencies to keep passengers safe.