Low Visibility Forces easyJet Manchester-Keflavik Flight to Divert to Edinburgh

An easyJet flight EZY2261 diversion occurred on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The flight was traveling from Manchester (MAN) to Keflavik (KEF), Iceland's main international airport. Adverse weather conditions near the destination caused the operational change. The scheduled arrival time was approximately 6:30 PM local time.

Operational Details of the Diversion

The Manchester to Keflavik flight disruption began upon arrival. The flight path showed the aircraft reached the vicinity of Reykjavik. However, the crew could not complete the landing. This was due to adverse weather low visibility conditions reported at Keflavik International Airport.

Aircraft and Initial Rerouting

The aircraft, an Airbus A320, was forced to reroute. It initially diverted to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) in Scotland. This unplanned landing was necessary for safety reasons. The flight later returned to its original departure point, Manchester.

easyJet confirmed the circumstances were outside of their control. The airline cited low visibility as the primary issue. This condition prevents safe landing operations. It requires strict adherence to minimum visibility standards.

Passenger Impact and Airline Response

The flight was ultimately canceled for the evening. It was rescheduled to operate on Monday, December 29, 2025. This overnight delay impacted all passengers.

An easyJet spokesperson issued an apology for the inconvenience. The airline stated they did everything possible to minimize the impact. This included providing hotel accommodation and meals for affected customers.

• The original flight was EZY2261.
• The rescheduled flight was given a new number, EZY9261.
• Passengers were advised to check in again using the new flight details.

Aviation Safety and Winter Travel

Weather-related diversions are a common challenge. Winter air travel disruption is frequent in northern latitudes. Airports like Keflavik must maintain high operational standards. They must adhere to strict visibility minimums set by regulators like EASA.

Low visibility operations require specialized equipment and crew training. When conditions fall below Category II or III minimums, landing is prohibited. This is a critical safety measure for commercial aviation. The decision to divert prioritizes the safety of passengers and crew. Such events highlight the unpredictable nature of winter weather on flight schedules. Airlines must manage the logistical challenge of rerouting aircraft and crew. This ensures the safety and continuity of their network. For more commercial aviation news, visit the flying.flights website.