A Ryanair passenger described her flight during Storm Eowyn as “absolutely terrifying”. The plane landed at Cork Airport last night (Thursday, January 23) from Gran Canaria.
The plane had over 200 passengers onboard during the troubling journey. Lorraine Carney said the the last 30 minutes before landing as “tricky” and “absolutely frightening” after the first landing attempt was aborted.
As reported by Belfast Live, the second landing was successful. However, it went eerily quiet on board for the duration as some passengers began to pray.
Lorraine said: “The plane was shaking from side to side. You could hear the rain battering against the windows and it was like rain I’ve never heard before.” Even after their safe touchdown, Lorraine explained that the aircraft continued to be rocked by strong winds, leaving passengers feeling as if they were still airborne.
The pilot, Captain Jim Allen, was commended by Lorraine who expressed awe at his ability to land in such conditions. She said: “I don’t know how he landed the plane because it was literally shaking from side to side.”
Ground staff at the airport also received praise for their assistance in helping passengers off the plane and securing luggage amidst the gusty winds.