AN easyJet flight to Liverpool did not get off to a flying start when a baggage handling truck struck the aircraft in June.

The baggage truck was preparing to offload luggage from the inbound flight when it hit the plane's fuselage.

Passengers had to be transferred onto a Flybe flight instead. 

Andrew McConnell, easyJet spokesman, said: "Whilst parked at the terminal at Ronaldsway Airport our aircraft sustained minor damage as a result of being grazed by aircraft baggage loading equipment.

"As a precaution the aircraft was taken out of service and will be inspected by engineers. Safety is always our number one priority and at no time was the well-being of our passengers compromised."

It was the second time that the new service had hit problems. The first easyJet flight to leave Ronaldsway was recalled after a member of the ground staff saw an open hatch door. It turned out to be the cover of a vent which closes automatically as the cabin is pressurised.

Other easyJet flights were affected by fog with one turned back from the Island after being unable to land.

A statement from Manx2.com claimed that scores of passengers had their TT holiday plans "ruined" by easyJet's cancellations.

Chairman Noel Hayes said it was the ability of a locally-based company to react quickly which saved the day for more than 100 passengers, many of which otherwise faced missing onward flights to Europe later that day.

He added: "The different operating philosophies of a locally based operator and a big operator from across were clearly demonstrated again. easyJet's new service, with more than 100 passengers on-board, was unable to land so returned to Liverpool where the flight was abruptly cancelled."