UK Flight Attendant Falls from TUI Airways Plane Before Takeoff.
A flight attendant working for TUI Airways suffered serious injuries after falling from a plane at East Midlands Airport moments before departure.
The incident occurred on December 16, 2024, when the cabin crew member mistakenly opened the aircraft door, expecting the boarding stairs to be in place.
According to a BBC report, the ground stairs had already been removed, leading the crew member to step out into empty space, falling directly onto the tarmac.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a loud thud and described the flight attendant as “seriously injured” following the fall.
Emergency services, including East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and an air ambulance, quickly responded to the scene.
The injured crew member was transported to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham for treatment. In a statement, EMAS operations director Simon Hinchley extended well wishes for her recovery and confirmed their cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a formal inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the mishap. Inspectors have visited the airport to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
A spokesperson for the AAIB stated that the investigation aims to establish why the stairs were not properly secured at the time the door was opened.
Typically, the responsibility for attaching or removing external stairs falls on the ground handling agents contracted by airlines, rather than the airport itself.
TUI Airways has yet to issue an official comment regarding the incident, but sources indicate that safety protocols regarding aircraft boarding and disembarkation procedures will be thoroughly reviewed as part of the probe.
