20 Passengers Asked to Deboard Flight as Aircraft Gets 'Too Heavy' for Takeoff. Video Goes Viral

In a highly unusual and captivating incident, an EasyJet flight bound for Liverpool from Lanzarote had to turn away approximately 20 passengers as the aircraft exceeded its maximum weight limit for takeoff. The episode, captured on video, quickly gained traction on Twitter, leaving viewers astonished.

The occurrence unfolded on an EasyJet flight departing from Lanzarote to Liverpool. The flight's captain revealed that adverse weather conditions combined with the excessive weight of the aircraft presented significant challenges for takeoff. Consequently, the captain made a heartfelt appeal, urging approximately 20 passengers to willingly alter their travel plans. Assuring the affected passengers, the captain mentioned that the airline would compensate those who volunteered to step back.

The circulating video commences with passengers sharing the technical intricacies of the situation. One passenger can be heard explaining, "Because there are so many of you, it’s a pretty heavy aircraft. That heavy aircraft combined with a fairly short runway and some winds, which aren’t particularly favourable at the moment, means that with the current unfavourable conditions here in Lanzarote, means the aircraft is too heavy to depart."

Emphasizing safety as the top priority, the pilot firmly stated, "With safety as our number one priority, there is no way, with the current wind conditions, that we could get this aircraft airborne. There are a number of factors - it’s very hot, the wind isn’t fantastic, the direction isn’t great."

To address the situation, the captain explained that reducing the aircraft's weight was the most viable solution. "If possible, I would like to ask up to 20 volunteers to choose not to fly to Liverpool tonight," he expressed. The captain further elucidated that the volunteers would be incentivized by EasyJet for their willingness to adjust their travel plans.

"The current number we’ve been quoted by EasyJet is up to €500 (approx Rs 45,000) per passenger who is willing to not fly tonight," the captain conveyed, highlighting the compensation offered by the airline to encourage the affected passengers.

In an extraordinary turn of events, the incident drew widespread attention, emphasizing the complexities involved in ensuring passenger safety and adhering to weight restrictions for aircraft takeoff. The video's circulation on social media platforms prompted discussions on the unforeseen challenges faced by flight crews and the crucial decision-making processes to guarantee the well-being of passengers.

As the aviation industry continues to prioritize safety, incidents such as this serve as reminders of the commitment and professionalism exhibited by airline staff in addressing unforeseen circumstances, ultimately safeguarding the lives of all those aboard.