Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
02 July 2013 09:09
Passengers on an easyJet plane were left stranded on the runway in baking temperatures
Airline easyJet has apologised after British tourists were left stranded for 30 hours in extreme heat due to an overnight delay on a flight from Egypt to Gatwick Airport.
The 164 passengers, who included pregnant women, babies and pensioners, were forced to stay on board for five hours when Thursday's scheduled 5pm take-off from Sharm El-Sheikh was delayed because of a technical issue.
Those on board, mostly Britons, claimed that the temperature approached 30C (86F) before they were let off the plane and put up in a hotel.
The flight was rescheduled for Friday morning, but this was moved back to 7pm and then delayed even further to 10.40pm. The plane finally landed at Gatwick at 4am on Saturday.
Passenger Luke Gayle, 20, of Croydon, south London, said: "It was a disgrace. People were crying and understandably losing their tempers while we were stuck on the tarmac. A woman six months pregnant lay across three seats. It was roasting hot and there was no food. The captain had to come out and try to calm everyone down - and again in the airport next day."
Extreme events such as this highlight the importance of having travel insurance before flying abroad, including seniors travel insurance for older travellers and travel insurance for pregnancy for those who are expecting.
In a statement, the airline apologised to the passengers for any inconvenience or distress caused by the delay and assured them that everything was done to minimise the disruption.
"The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and the aircraft's departure was delayed while inspection and repair procedures were followed on the ground," the company said.
"All passengers were transferred to accommodation where every effort was made to ensure that they were comfortable and kept informed as to the flight's rescheduled departure time on 28 June and notified that they were able to make up to two telephone calls free of charge. We apologise if there was a delay in any of those passengers receiving this information on arrival at the hotel."
16 April 2019
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
[more...]
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.
02 March 2019
A Flybe flight was forced to abort take-off due to the cabin filling with "smoke" while it was accelerating along the runway at Exeter Airport.
01 March 2019
Holidaymakers will soon be able to take advantage of the first direct flight from London to Scotland's Western Isles after Loganair announced three new routes.