AAIB Finds Two easyJet A320s Took Off From Wrong Runway Points

Overview

• Flight EZY2335 departed London Luton from a point further down the runway on 13 June 2025 and cleared the runway about 65 ft (19 m) above the ground while carrying 180 passengers and six crew.
• A second Airbus A320 at Manchester entered at intersection J2 instead of the cleared J1 on 6 July 2025, shortening the available take-off distance and only being noticed after the aircraft was airborne.
• The AAIB classified both events as a serious runway-related occurrence and said the reduced take-off distance could have had far more severe outcomes if the aircraft had been heavier, weather had worsened, or an engine failed.
• Investigators pointed to likely human factors as causes, citing habitual crew behaviour, confirmation bias, a missed chance to tell air traffic control about the full-length departure requirement, and crews occupied with other pre‑departure tasks.
• easyJet says it fully cooperated with the AAIB and has reviewed its take-off procedures, and regulators and airlines are likely to increase focus on cockpit checks, crew tasking and clear ATC communication to protect take-off performance margins.