Hundreds of British holidaymakers have been plunged into a travel nightmare after TUI abruptly cancelled their repatriation flight from Nassau, Bahamas, to Manchester, leaving them stranded and facing eviction from their hotels.
The flight, TOM114, was scheduled to depart Lynden Pindling International Airport on Tuesday but was axed at the last moment, triggering chaos and frustration among travellers. Many have now been told to vacate their booked accommodation, forcing them to find and fund alternative places to stay indefinitely.
A Desperate Scramble for Solutions
With no clear timeline for their return, passengers have been left to fend for themselves. Many are families with young children who are now grappling with the stress of unexpected costs and extreme uncertainty. The lack of clear communication from the tour operator has exacerbated the situation, leaving people feeling abandoned.
One affected passenger described the scene as "absolute chaos," with everyone "stuck here with no idea what to do next." The financial burden is mounting for many, who are now paying for extra nights in hotels, food, and other essentials out of their own pockets.
TUI's Response and Passenger Rights
TUI has stated that it is working to get customers home "as soon as possible" and has advised them to contact their customer service team. However, for those stranded thousands of miles from home, these assurances offer little immediate comfort.
Under UK aviation law, passengers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to assistance, which can include a reasonable amount of food, drink, and hotel accommodation. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) emphasises that this duty of care falls on the airline, regardless of the cause of the cancellation.
What Should Affected Passengers Do?
If you are affected by this disruption, it is crucial to:
- Keep all receipts for any extra expenses incurred, such as meals, accommodation, and transport.
- Formally contact TUI to secure confirmation of your new return flight and to claim your entitled expenses.
- Understand that you may be owed compensation under EC 261 rules if the cancellation was within TUI's control.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of having comprehensive travel insurance and being prepared for unforeseen disruptions when holidaying abroad.
