Delayed flier might take train on his next trip

James Simpson was one of the thousands of passengers suffering a flight day at Edinburgh Airport last month – in his case, a 24-hour ordeal.

Returning to Luton late one evening, his Easyjet service was delayed, then cancelled, after a passenger vomited in the aircraft.

Mr Simpson was critical of the way the problem was handled, and instructed Bott & Co solicitors to claim compensation under EU regulation 261.

He said: “I have never been delayed before and this experience has put me off travelling with Easyjet.

“I will fly with another airline in the future or get the train.”

An Easyjet spokeswoman said: “We are sorry Mr Simpson’s flight was delayed overnight as a result of a medical emergency on board the same aircraft due to operate his flight earlier in the day, which meant that the crew were unable to operate Mr Simpson’s flight within their legal operating hours.

“Easyjet will always pay compensation when it is due, however as the reason for the delay was outside of Easyjet’s control, Mr Simpson is not entitled to EU261 compensation other than expenses, which Easyjet has already reimbursed.”