Photo: Getty Images
Two easyJet planes "clipped wings as they taxied on the airfield" at Manchester International Airport in the United Kingdom Friday (August 15) morning, an airport spokesperson confirmed to the British Broadcasting Corporation.
The incident reportedly led to a temporary ground stop, according to the spokesperson.
"We suspended operations briefly while they were assessed to see if they could taxi back to a stand, which they could so operations resumed after a few minutes," the spokesperson said.
The incident took place at around 6:30 local time, according to the BBC. No injuries have been reported in relation to the incident, which is currently being investigated by the airport.
Passengers were disembarked from the two planes, which were set to depart for Paris and Gibraltar, respectively. Flights have since since resumed following the temporary ground stop as both planes were assessed to have experienced minor damage.
Tynisha Chaudhry, who was on the plane scheduled to depart for Gibraltar at the time of the accident, compared it to a car crash.
"We felt the whole plane shudder – it was a massive hit," she told the BBC.
Chaudhry confirmed that she saw "a lot of fire engines" and other safety staff at the scene as passengers remained onboard during inspections, describing the atmosphere as "okay," but noting that some children and their parents became "tense" before being allowed to deplane.
"EasyJet can confirm that the wing tips of two aircraft came into contact whilst taxiing to the runway at Manchester Airport this morning," a company spokesperson said in a statement obtained by the BBC.
"The aircraft returned to stand to disembark customers who have been provided with refreshment vouchers whilst replacement aircraft are arranged to operate the flights.
"We apologise to customers for the delay to their flights.
"The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority."