Jet2 Boeing 737-800 Veers Off Runway as Storm Boelo Batters Birmingham Airport

A Jet2 Boeing 737-800 ran off the runway at Birmingham Airport (BHX) on Sunday after landing in challenging weather conditions linked to Storm Boelo. The incident quickly gained attention on social media, with footage of the landing shared by Turbine Traveller.

According to the BBC, flight LS1310 had departed from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and landed on Runway 33 at around 14:19 local time before veering onto the grass.

Weather reports showed strong westerly winds at Birmingham. A 10:50 UTC METAR recorded winds from 270° at 18 knots, gusting to 29 knots, with the direction varying between 240° and 320°. A TAF issued at 11:19 UTC forecast gusts of up to 35 knots, potentially reaching 45 knots between 12:00 and 15:00 UTC.

With Runway 33 oriented roughly northwest, these westerly winds could create a crosswind component, making it harder to maintain alignment during landing. Gusts above 32 knots (37 mph or 59 km/h) can add to the challenge.

Storm Boelo brought particularly strong winds to northern England, while the Met Office forecast continued windy conditions across the West Midlands. Birmingham Airport expected afternoon winds to reach around 42 mph (68 km/h).

Modern aircraft are designed to operate in challenging weather, but sudden changes in wind speed and direction can make landings more demanding. However, weather alone does not establish the exact cause of a runway excursion.

A Jet2 spokesperson confirmed to BBC News that landing conditions at Birmingham Airport were challenging. Further information would be needed to establish precisely what caused the aircraft to leave the runway.