Storm Ophelia: Dramatic moment Aer Lingus plane is buffeted by violent winds as it lands at Dublin Airport

The plane sways left and right as it swoops down onto the runway.
Sean Hassett, Twitter
Francesca Gillett16 October 2017

Dramatic footage shows the moment violent winds buffeted a passenger plane as it landed at Dublin Airport during Storm Ophelia’s onslaught.

The full force of the storm’s winds – which peaked at 119mph - is clear on camera as the Aer Lingus jet sways from side to side during its swoop onto the runway.

The pilot of the plane, which had travelled from Faro in Portugal before touching down in Dublin shortly before 2pm on Monday, was reportedly applauded by passengers.

Seán Hassett posted the video online with the words: “My parents’ flight landing at Dublin Airport, well done to the pilot E1491, my heart was in my mouth!”

Thousands of people watched it with many praising the pilot for his skilled landing.

“Somebody buy the pilot a pint,” one Twitter user said, while another said he “deserves a medal”.

Brian Foley, who also said he was on the same flight, said: “Thanks to crew of E1491 Aer Lingus who just got us home safely to Dublin. Intense landing. Two rounds of applause!”

Hundreds of flights have been grounded although a small number – most of which were travelling to Ireland’s east coast – braved their journeys. Another passenger tweeted her thanks to Ryanair for getting her safely from Gatwick to Dublin this afternoon.

Ireland’s weather service issued a red weather warning alerting people to “violent and destructive winds” and a danger to life.

Around 360,000 homes and businesses are without power and trees and power lines have been blown over. Schools and colleges have been closed.

On Monday evening, the storm arrived in Northern Ireland and west Wales, where an amber weather warning is in place. In Northern Ireland, 16,000 households now have no power.

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