Jet2 has issued a fresh update for passengers after a fire at its Retail Operations Centre caused major disruption to in-flight services. The airline had suspended food, drink, and retail offerings on several routes, leaving travellers without pre-booked meals or the ability to purchase snacks and beverages onboard.
Background of the Disruption
The disruption began on Sunday, May 10, when Jet2 announced that an operational issue outside its control had limited the availability of food and drink on certain flights. This was later attributed to a fire at the company's warehouse in Middlewich, which is responsible for stocking all catering carts. As a result, the airline was forced to cancel all food, drink, and Jet2shop retail services on affected flights, including pre-booked hot meals and snack deals.
Passenger Advice During the Incident
During the disruption, Jet2 advised passengers to bring their own snacks and soft drinks purchased after airport security. However, hot drinks and hot food from the terminal were prohibited onboard for safety reasons. Many travellers took to social media to express their frustration and share information. One passenger tweeted about receiving an email and text message stating no food or drink would be available on their five-hour flight. Jet2 responded, apologizing and confirming the operational issue. On Facebook groups, users reported similar experiences, with some noting that even pre-booked items were not provided, and only water was offered.
Jet2's Latest Update
In a statement released on May 15, a Jet2 spokesperson said: "Due to an operational issue outside of our control, there was limited food and drink available to buy on board on Sunday, May 10. We are pleased to say that, since then, customers have been continuing to enjoy our award-winning flights and can choose from a wide selection of food and drink onboard." The spokesperson added: "Our full in-flight retail and food and drink offering will be completely back to normal in the coming days." The airline also confirmed that refunds for pre-booked catering are being automatically processed to the original payment method.
Impact on Passengers
The incident caused significant inconvenience for passengers, many of whom had paid for meals in advance. Some travellers reported receiving last-minute notifications via email or text, while others learned about the issue upon boarding. Despite the challenges, Jet2 has assured customers that services are returning to normal and that the airline is committed to providing a pleasant travel experience.
Jet2's swift response and commitment to refunds have been welcomed, though the disruption highlights the vulnerability of supply chains in the aviation industry. Passengers are advised to check the latest updates before travelling and to carry their own snacks as a precaution.
