Passengers at Belfast International Airport have been left stranded after a series of flight cancellations and delays over the weekend, with Easyjet and TUI both affected. Travellers reported feeling 'let down' as they faced unexpected costs and lack of information.
Johnathon Boyd, whose Easyjet flight to Malaga, Spain, was cancelled on Sunday, was still in Belfast on Monday evening. He said: 'We are key workers. We have not had a holiday since the pandemic and this was something that we were really looking forward to, had saved up for, and we have been let down.' Another passenger, Danielle McLaughlin from Londonderry, said she had received no information from Easyjet, adding: 'There's no Easyjet representative in the actual airport and there's no flights out for tomorrow.'
Easyjet confirmed that its flight to Faro, Portugal, was cancelled due to earlier delays causing the crew to reach maximum working hours. The airline also cited air traffic control restrictions and ground handling delays for other cancellations, including flights to Bristol and Gatwick. Easyjet apologised and offered customers transfers or refunds.
Meanwhile, TUI passengers on a flight from Kos, Greece, were delayed from Saturday night to Monday afternoon. TUI apologised, citing 'operational issues', and said passengers had been accommodated in hotels with meals provided. The airline confirmed that affected customers are entitled to compensation and have been sent information on how to claim.
Travel expert Simon Calder commented on BBC News NI's Good Morning Ulster programme, saying the incidents highlight stresses in the travel industry. He estimated that Easyjet was cancelling about 25 to 30 flights a day, with the number appearing to increase. He also noted that at least one flight between Belfast and London Heathrow had been cancelled every day for weeks.
