A groom-to-be's dream stag weekend in Prague was derailed after easyJet cancelled their flight from London Gatwick due to a reported lack of crew, leaving four members of the party stranded in the UK while three others were already in the Czech capital.
Flight Cancelled at the Last Minute
Lauren Gillett took to social media on Saturday, June 27, to share the frustration on behalf of her 'good friend'. She explained that the easyJet flight EZY8783 to Prague, scheduled for 6:10pm, was cancelled around 8pm due to a 'lack of crew', a decision she described as 'really sad'. The group was split, with the groom, best man, and two other stags unable to travel, while three stags were already in Prague.
According to Lauren, the remaining four were directed to the easyJet app for options: a free flight within 24 hours, an easyJet voucher, or a full refund. However, no other flights were available that night from Gatwick. Efforts to rebook them via Stansted Airport also failed as all seats were taken. 'The only other flights would have got them there tonight which gives them less than a day in Prague,' she said.
Wider Impact and Passenger Rights
This incident reflects a broader pattern of short-notice disruptions on high-volume European budget routes during peak travel periods. Data from compensation firm AirHelp indicates that easyJet has previously faced operational strain leading to multiple cancellations across its network. Aviation analysts at OAG note that crew shortages and tightly packed schedules can leave low-cost carriers with limited flexibility, creating a knock-on 'domino effect' that forces last-minute cancellations.
Under UK261 passenger rights rules, travellers affected by cancellations are entitled to re-routing or financial compensation. However, consumer groups highlight that pay-outs often fail to cover non-refundable accommodation costs or the wider impact on milestone trips. Lauren added: 'It feels incredibly sad that the groom now doesn't get a stag weekend because you didn't have staff and decided to abandon a whole flight full of people. Thank god they've got insurance and they better get compensation but that doesn't change the fact the groom has no stag.'
EasyJet Responds
An easyJet spokesperson told The Mirror: 'Flight EZY8783 from London Gatwick to Prague on June 26 was unable to operate due to weather-related air traffic control restrictions leading to the crew reaching their safety regulated hours. We did all possible to minimise the impact of the disruption for our customers, providing options to rebook or receive a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required. The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and while this is outside of our control, we are sorry for the inconvenience caused.'
