EasyJet flight took off from wrong runway point at Manchester Airport after cockpit error

An air safety investigation has been launched after an EasyJet flight departing Manchester Airport took off from the wrong runway position, an error that investigators say significantly reduced the available runway length for the aircraft during departure.The incident involved an EasyJet Airbus A320 operating a flight from Manchester to the Greek island of Kos on 6 July 2025. Although the aircraft became airborne safely and continued its journey without further problems, investigators described the event as a serious safety occurrence that could have had more significant consequences under different circumstances.The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) published the findings, examining how the crew mistakenly began their take-off from an incorrect runway intersection.

Manchester Airport take-off incident

According to the AAIB, the aircraft had been cleared to depart from Manchester Airport’s Runway 23R using intersection J1. This would have provided the crew with more than 2,500 metres of runway for take-off.However, investigators found that the aircraft instead entered the runway at intersection J2, which was further along the runway and left substantially less distance available for departure.The crew proceeded with the take-off believing they were positioned correctly. The mistake was not identified until after the aircraft had become airborne and continued its flight to Greece.While the aircraft successfully departed and landed safely at its destination, investigators concluded that the take-off used considerably less runway than intended.

AAIB investigation

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch found that a combination of factors contributed to the error.Investigators said the crew had discussed the departure route before reaching the runway, but confusion developed over their exact position while taxiing at night.The report noted that both pilots believed they were approaching the correct runway entry point despite entering at a different location.The AAIB also highlighted how complex airport layouts, low visibility cues during darkness and assumptions made within the cockpit can contribute to navigation mistakes on the ground.Although the aircraft’s systems did not identify the error before take-off, investigators found that the aircraft still had enough runway available to depart safely under the conditions present that day.

Safety concerns

While no passengers were injured and the flight continued normally, aviation investigators stressed that the event had the potential to become much more serious.Taking off from a point further down a runway reduces the distance available for acceleration and can leave crews with fewer options if a problem develops during departure.Investigators noted that if the aircraft had been heavier, weather conditions had been less favourable or an engine problem had occurred, the reduced runway length could have posed a greater risk.The report classified the event as a serious runway-related occurrence and used it as an example of how small navigation errors can create significant safety implications.

EasyJet’s response

Following the investigation, safety recommendations focused on reducing the likelihood of similar incidents occurring in the future.The AAIB shared the findings with operators and aviation authorities to improve awareness of runway-entry errors and reinforce cockpit procedures used to verify aircraft position before take-off.EasyJet said safety remains its highest priority and confirmed that the airline fully cooperated with the investigation.The carrier noted that the flight landed safely and incorporated lessons from the incident into operational reviews and crew procedures.