Manchester Airport worker ‘lucky to be alive’ after plunging 35ft out of Jet2 plane door believing there would be steps on the other side

Fintan Starkey
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 11:59:33 +0000

An aircraft engineer in his sixties is being described as fortunate to have survived after plummeting 35ft from a Jet2 passenger plane at Manchester Airport yesterday morning.

The incident unfolded at approximately 8.05am on Saturday when the man fell from the rear of the plane, which had been scheduled to depart for Tenerife.

Emergency services from the North West Ambulance Service rushed to the scene, with multiple vehicles and ambulances responding to the accident on the tarmac.

The injured worker was subsequently transported to hospital following the dramatic fall from the aircraft's back door.

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According to a witness who works at the airport, the engineer had been informed that steps were positioned on the left side of the aircraft but mistakenly opened the incorrect door.

Upon realising his error, he attempted to grab hold of the door, but powerful gusts of wind dragged him outside.

The airport worker told the Sun: "To stop the brunt of the fall he put his knees and arms out, that's what's caused his injuries."

He added: "At the time we didn't realise how bad the injuries were. The drop from that aircraft is about 35ft, so he's lucky to be alive."

The engineer is understood to have sustained fractures to both legs, both elbows and his eye sockets after hitting the tarmac face first, with the injuries reportedly causing swelling on the brain.

He was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where friends say he was undergoing surgery.

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A Jet2 spokesperson said on Saturday: "We are aware of an incident that took place at Manchester Airport this morning (Saturday April 11) involving an individual from a third-party provider.

"We are unable to confirm further details at present, however, can confirm that a full investigation has been launched.

"We are doing our best to provide support to everyone who needs it."