Five passengers voluntarily left an easyJet flight from London Southend to Malaga after the aircraft was deemed overweight for the weather conditions and runway length. The flight, scheduled to depart at 8.40am on Saturday, faced safety concerns due to weight restrictions.
Passenger Carly Mowbray said passengers were given three options: six people get off, leave the luggage, or the flight would not depart. With 30 minutes to resolve the issue, five passengers volunteered to disembark, receiving applause from fellow travellers.
Southend Airport's main runway is 1,856 metres (6,089 feet) long, significantly shorter than Stansted's 3,049-metre (10,003-foot) runway. The aircraft, an Airbus A319, was over the weight limits for the conditions, according to easyJet.
Disembarked customers were provided transport to London Gatwick and a later flight to Malaga. EasyJet said compensation would be provided in line with regulations. Under UK Civil Aviation Authority guidelines, volunteers for 'bumping' can negotiate compensation with the airline, while passengers on cancelled medium-haul flights are typically entitled to £175 to £350 depending on delay length.
FlightAware data shows the flight eventually departed from Southend only 12 minutes behind schedule. EasyJet emphasised that safety and welfare of passengers and crew is always its highest priority.
