Two planes aborted near-landings at Dublin Airport on Dec. 9 after Storm Bram produced extreme crosswinds. An Aer Lingus service from Seattle (EI52) swayed on approach and was diverted to Shannon, while a second smaller aircraft was blown nearly perpendicular to the runway before climbing away. Dublin Airport reported 91 cancellations and 10 diversions as gusts of up to about 80 mph affected Ireland and parts of the U.K.
Heart-Stopping Video: Two Planes Abort Dublin Landings as Storm Bram Whips 80 mph Gusts
2 Planes Abort Landings at Last Possible Moment amid Extreme Winds in Heart-Stopping Video
Two aircraft were forced to abort landing attempts at Dublin Airport on Dec. 9 after Storm Bram produced powerful crosswinds, eyewitness footage shows.
Suzanne Kavanagh via StoryfulAer Lingus flight aborts landing at Dublin Airport amid Storm Bram
In one widely shared clip, an Aer Lingus jet arriving from Seattle (identified in flight data as EI52) oscillates from side to side as it lines up to land. Seconds before touchdown the nose pitches up and the crew climbs away; FlightAware data indicate that the overnight Seattle service left on Dec. 8 at 9:45 p.m. local time and appears to have been diverted to Shannon, touching down there at 3:49 p.m. local time on Dec. 9.
Suzanne Kavanagh via StoryfulSmaller plane aborts landing at Dublin Airport
A second video shows a smaller aircraft being pushed by a strong crosswind so sharply that it descends at an angle almost perpendicular to the runway before recovering and aborting the approach. The operator and origin of that aircraft were not identified in the footage. Both clips were shared via Storyful and credited to Suzanne Kavanagh.
Suzanne Kavanagh via StoryfulPlanes abort landings at Dublin Airport amid Storm Bram
Dublin Airport said the storm had a "significant impact" on operations. In a statement posted to its X account the airport reported 91 flight cancellations (49 inbound and 42 outbound) and 10 diversions to other airports due to the conditions.
“Challenging wind conditions have meant some aircraft have been unable to land and take-off at Dublin Airport for extended periods this afternoon,” the airport warned, adding that further disruption was possible as strong winds continued.
Storm Bram’s Wider Impact
Storm Bram affected parts of Ireland as well as Wales, Scotland and England, bringing heavy rain and gusts measured at up to around 80 mph, according to BBC reports. The system left thousands of households across the U.K. without power and prompted airlines and airports to cancel or reroute services when crosswinds and gusts posed safety risks.
Similar weather-related aborted landings were recorded in October during Storm Benjamin, when a United Airlines flight from Newark to London had to abandon its landing after severe gusts caused the jet to sway and briefly lift off the runway, footage at the time showed.
This incident highlights how modern crews and air traffic control prioritize safety by executing missed approaches and diverting when conditions exceed safe operating limits.
