A family's first Ryanair flight turned into a six-hour ordeal after a delay, diversion, and medical emergency. Viltė Jasmontė, 35, her husband Aidas Jasmontas, and their six-year-old daughter Ariele were travelling from Bristol to Gran Canaria for a May half-term holiday when the drama unfolded.
The flight was initially delayed by more than two hours due to technical issues. When passengers boarded a replacement plane, Viltė claimed the cabin was dirty and there was little food or water available. She said the cabin crew informed passengers that only Pringles, chocolate bars, and soft drinks were for sale.
Viltė also alleged that several passengers who appeared drunk were allowed on board, causing distress. About 90 minutes after take-off, passengers shouted that a woman had collapsed and needed medical help. The cabin crew repeatedly asked if there was a doctor on board, and some crew members appeared visibly shaken.
The woman reportedly lost consciousness and suffered convulsions before being assisted by another passenger. The captain announced a diversion to Lisbon, Portugal. After landing, paramedics boarded the plane, but passengers waited nearly two hours for an ambulance. The woman was taken to hospital with her daughter and granddaughter.
The flight resumed to Gran Canaria, landing around 1am, about four hours late. The family did not reach their hotel until 3am. Viltė described the experience as stressful and frightening, especially for her daughter.
A Ryanair spokesperson said aircraft are cleaned during every turnaround and that the flight diverted after a passenger fell ill. Medical assistance was called ahead, and the passenger was taken to hospital. The flight continued to Gran Canaria at 9.26pm local time. The Express understands there were no reports of disruptive behaviour and the delay was four hours.
