More than 200 easyJet passengers have been left stranded in Morocco after a technical issue cancelled their return flight to Manchester Airport. The travellers were due to fly back on Wednesday (June 10) but will now spend an additional night in the north African nation.
Passengers describe confusion and lack of communication
Adam Ramouz, 35, from Salford, was among those waiting at Marrakesh Menara Airport. He described witnessing his ride home being tugged away while he stood ready to board. The flight had already been delayed by two hours, arriving at 12:40pm instead of the scheduled 10:40am. After passengers from Manchester disembarked, Adam and fellow travellers faced another two-hour hold before the plane was towed away.
Adam claimed that despite the development, it was not until late afternoon that they received an email confirming the cancellation, resulting in nearly a 10-hour wait for information. He said: "They called us to get up and we were stood for maybe two hours then we watched the plane get tugged away. It's just disappointing, the lack of communication. There was barely anybody to speak to at the airport. Everyone was wondering what to do."
Accommodation issues and concerns about returning home
Travellers were provided with temporary accommodation, but Adam claimed the arrangements caused confusion, leaving some families without rooms and worried about returning to their commitments. "Everybody has got their lives to get back to," he said. "I've got work tomorrow, my partner's got work tomorrow. I'm a full-time carer for my mother. We've had to call on family to look after my mother. There's something like 235 people who are stuck here."
Over 200 people were reportedly trying to get information from a single easyJet representative after the cancellation email was sent.
EasyJet response and rescheduled flight
EasyJet informed the Manchester Evening News that passengers are scheduled to return on Thursday (June 11). A spokesperson said: "Due to a technical issue with the aircraft on its previous flight, flight EZY2294 from Marrakech to Manchester has been rescheduled to operate tomorrow due to the impact of the delay on the crews' safety regulated hours. We are doing everything possible to minimise the disruption, including providing hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them. The safety and wellbeing of its passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers' guidelines. We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the delay and thank our customers for their understanding."
