TUI passengers ‘abandoned’ on plane for 3 hours call COPS to rescue them

TUI passengers who were left “abandoned” on a plane for three hours were forced to call the cops to rescue them.

It comes amid airport travel chaos, that saw exhausted travellers in tears when they were told their flight was cancelled after eight-hour delays.

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Passengers on flight TOM2106 to Tenerife on Sunday evening were left stuck on board for over three hours after they were hit with an initial delay.

The travellers were eventually escorted off the plane at Manchester Airport.

The stranded travellers said Swissport had “abandoned” them, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Adam Wyczalkowski, 22, who was heading to Tenerife for a four-night break, told MEN: “The flight was meant to leave at 5.50pm, but we were late getting on board in the first place which was around 7pm.

“We were told the bags would need to be loaded by Swissport, but then we heard they had only half loaded them onto the aircraft.

“We were then told all the staff had then disappeared, and the captain told us all that due to crew hour regulations, the flight might get cancelled in the end.

“Eventually they made another announcement that there had been no communication about us getting off the plane because there were no staff available to let us off. There are so many kids on here and families excited go away for half-term.

“People are just getting so frustrated and angry. It is so hot and there is no air con on and we were only offered a complimentary drink.

“There was not a single member of staff in sight, so the captain informed us they will be calling the police in order to let us disembark.”

A TUI spokesperson told the outlet: “We’d like to apologise to customers travelling on flight TOM2106 from Manchester to Tenerife on Monday 30 May which was unfortunately delayed due to operational issues.

“We were in contact with affected customers, offered overnight accommodation and meals where needed, and advised them of their new departure time as soon as we could. This flight is now due to depart this evening.

“The May half-term holidays are always an incredibly busy period with many customers looking to get away, and this year is no different.

“We’d like to apologise again for the inconvenience caused and we thank customers for their understanding and patience during this time.”

A statement from Swissport stated: “While the return in flight volumes after the serious impact of the pandemic is undoubtedly a positive development, it is also exacerbating resource challenges across the aviation industry, including at Swissport, especially at a busy period of holiday travel.

“We are very sorry for our part in any delays and disruption passengers have experienced.

“We’re doing everything we can to address our role in meeting our resource challenges, welcoming over 2,000 new colleagues since the start of the year, and we continue to work with our partners to identify contingency measures and improve baggage and aircraft turnaround times.”

TUI has previously issued a travel warning to holidaymakers after being forced to cancel a number of flights due to staff shortages.

Ryanair has also issued a warning to passengers travelling in the next few days hundreds of flights have been cancelled.

A dad has described how he was abandoned in Greece with his two kids after their flight was cancelled at the last minute.