Hundreds of EasyJet passengers endured a night of frustration at Manchester Airport after a technical issue with their aircraft left them stranded without proper accommodation. The flight, originally scheduled to depart on time, was abruptly delayed due to an unforeseen fault, forcing travellers to sleep on terminal floors.
Passengers reported a lack of communication from airline staff, with many left scrambling for last-minute hotel bookings or makeshift sleeping arrangements. One frustrated traveller described the scene as "chaotic," with families and elderly passengers particularly affected by the disruption.
Airline Response and Compensation
EasyJet later issued an apology, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the technical problem. A spokesperson stated: "We sincerely regret the disruption to our passengers' travel plans and are investigating the cause of the delay."
The airline has advised affected customers to submit compensation claims under EU Regulation 261/2004, which entitles passengers to reimbursement for significant delays. However, some travellers expressed scepticism about the process, citing previous difficulties with airline compensation systems.
Broader Impact on Travel Plans
The incident has raised fresh concerns about airline reliability during peak travel periods. Aviation experts note that such disruptions often create a domino effect, potentially impacting connecting flights and holiday itineraries.
Manchester Airport, one of the UK's busiest transport hubs, has seen increasing passenger numbers this summer. This latest incident adds to growing scrutiny of airport and airline operations amid the post-pandemic travel surge.
