GASPING FOR AIR
Three-hour delay leaves passengers stuck on plane in searing heat
PASSENGERS were left trapped on a hot aircraft in searing temperatures when their departure from East Midlands Airport was delayed for over three hours.
The Ryanair jet was due to take off for Budapest from the Castle Donington airport at 1.55pm on Monday. But a series of delays meant they did not take off until 5.30pm as temperatures outside rose to 35.2C.
This left passengers “gasping for air” and struggling to get out of the aircraft doors on what was the hottest day on record before the record was broken again on Tuesday.
Will Crossley, who was one of the passengers, said they started to get
concerned when flight attendants shuffled away ahead of pre-flight safety messages with no explanation.
He said the crew then announced they were waiting for the captain to arrive and that it would not be long.
The 31-year-old said: “We were reassured this would be a very short delay. However, the promise of moving in 15 minutes would then change to 30 minutes, then 45 minutes and so on.”
Mr Crossley said when the captain finally arrived he was greeted with cheers and applause, only for passengers to end up waiting even longer.
East Midlands Airport said this was due to the flight missing its departure slot, but Ryanair said the delay was caused by air traffic control issues “beyond their control”.
Mr Crossley said: “This is when they opened the doors again, as the temperature was really rising in the cabin and people were gasping to get a bit of fresh air.
“We were asking for water but they said they didn’t have any on board, so everybody was forced to purchase soft drinks to just stay hydrated.
“There were arguments between passengers trying to get to the doors. Passengers were arguing with flight attendants and just general outrage and upset from everybody on board.
“We finally landed at our destination at 7.45pm, but should have been there at 4.20pm,” he said.
A spokesman for Ryanair said: “This flight from East Midlands to
Budapest was delayed ahead of take-off due to Air Traffic Control delays, which are completely beyond Ryanair’s control.
“The crew opened the bars for passengers one hour after boarding (by 3pm), where meals and refreshments – including water – were served. This flight departed at 5.15pm. Ryanair sincerely apologises to passengers for this delay.”
A spokesman for East Midlands Airport said: “The welfare of passengers and colleagues is a key priority during this current heatwave.
“We have put in place measures to protect everyone on site, especially those working outdoors, and to make it as comfortable as possible for passengers.
“Our advice to passengers who are using this airport in the coming days is to prepare by keeping wellhydrated.
“Water bottles can be re-filled at water fountains or in any of the terminal food and drink outlets.
“We have not experienced any disruption due to the current weather conditions.”