An investigation has been launched after a collision between a baggage handling vehicle and a BermudAir plane caused flight cancellations.

A BermudAir spokeswoman confirmed that the airline’s staff was alerted to an incident on Saturday night in which a baggage vehicle at LF Wade International Airport damaged a BermudAir aircraft.

Video footage of the incident subsequently spread on social media, showing a baggage cart striking a ramp used to load and unload the aircraft, causing it to hit the plane.

“No passengers were on board when this incident occurred,” the spokeswoman said.

“The damage required taking the aircraft out of service, leading to cancellation of one departure from Bermuda and its return.

“Subsequent assessments concluded that, in the ultimate interests of overall safety, the aircraft should be taken overseas to be repaired. We were granted permission for the aircraft to leave Bermuda for this to take place.

“An investigation by local authorities into the incident is also under way to avoid these disruptions to BermudAir and its passengers going forward.”

The airline said the aircraft was approved to return to service earlier this week and its customer service team worked to assist passengers affected by the issue to help them book alternative flights.

“We regret the inconvenience this unfortunate situation created and will continue to place top priority on the safety of our customers and crew members,” the spokeswoman said.

“We sincerely thank everyone for their understanding as we worked through it.”