Storm Ophelia: Dramatic moment Aer Lingus plane is buffeted by violent winds as it lands at Dublin Airport
Dramatic footage shows the moment violent winds buffeted a passenger plane as it landed at Dublin Airport during Storm Ophelia’s onslaught.
The full force of the storm’s winds – which peaked at 119mph - is clear on camera as the Aer Lingus jet sways from side to side during its swoop onto the runway.
The pilot of the plane, which had travelled from Faro in Portugal before touching down in Dublin shortly before 2pm on Monday, was reportedly applauded by passengers.
Seán Hassett posted the video online with the words: “My parents’ flight landing at Dublin Airport, well done to the pilot E1491, my heart was in my mouth!”
My parents flight landing @DublinAirport, well done to the pilot of EI491, my heart was in my mouth! #ophelia pic.twitter.com/2EvzA1BKk6
— Seán Hassett (@SeanHassett) October 16, 2017
Thousands of people watched it with many praising the pilot for his skilled landing.
“Somebody buy the pilot a pint,” one Twitter user said, while another said he “deserves a medal”.
Brian Foley, who also said he was on the same flight, said: “Thanks to crew of E1491 Aer Lingus who just got us home safely to Dublin. Intense landing. Two rounds of applause!”
Hundreds of flights have been grounded although a small number – most of which were travelling to Ireland’s east coast – braved their journeys. Another passenger tweeted her thanks to Ryanair for getting her safely from Gatwick to Dublin this afternoon.
@Ryanair just want to say thanks to Ryanair staff braving Ophelia. Just landed in Dublin on FR115. It was a bumpy ride but glad to be home!
— Enya McGrath (@enyamcgrath) October 16, 2017
The gloomy skies leaving Gatwick for Dublin on Ryanair. Landed safely, some serious cheers on board! #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/koueGuQji8
— Ethna Reynolds (@BurlesqueChef) October 16, 2017
Three people have been killed by Ophelia, which has set the record for the furthest east an Atlantic storm has travelled.
Ireland’s weather service issued a red weather warning alerting people to “violent and destructive winds” and a danger to life.
Around 360,000 homes and businesses are without power and trees and power lines have been blown over. Schools and colleges have been closed.
On Monday evening, the storm arrived in Northern Ireland and west Wales, where an amber weather warning is in place. In Northern Ireland, 16,000 households now have no power.