A plane full of passengers was left stranded after air traffic controllers said ‘we’re going home’.
The Ryanair flight was due to travel from Malaga to Manchester when it diverted due to a medical emergency.
This involved a passenger being helped off the aircraft before the plane was expected to carry on to its destination.
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However, things did not unfold as expected.
After the plane made its emergency landing in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao, it was refueled and preparing to take off for Manchester but the flight was unable to continue.
This is because air traffic control workers clocked off from their shifts, leaving the passengers stranded.
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According to an airport spokesperson, this was because the flight plan ‘exceeded operational hours’.
One passenger, Sara Diggle, spoke to The Independent, claiming that air traffic control staff ‘refused to wait 15 minutes to see us off’.
Diggle went on to add: “They went home so we were unloaded, left high and dry to make our own arrangements for hotels.”
A spokesperson for the airport operator said: “I can confirm that the flight to Manchester departed on Sunday, at 13.01 local time. It didn’t depart the night before because the flight plan exceeded the operational hours of Bilbao airport.”
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The plane finally arrived at Manchester Airport 14 hours later than it was originally scheduled for.
Recalling a previous experience, Diggle continued: “We unfortunately got diverted to Bordeaux last year after multiple medical issues on board so knew best to just make our own arrangements and not wait around a shut airport.
“There were no taxis, just ones arranged for the crew. We walked to the nearest airport hotel and checked in.
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“I got a text at least to advise what time the flight would leave Bilbao. Others got nothing – I assume that’s because they didn’t register their mobile or didn’t book direct.
“The cabin crew were great – not their fault but were very empathetic to the passengers.”
A Ryanair spokesperson stated: “This flight from Malaga to Manchester diverted to Bilbao after a passenger became ill onboard. The aircraft was met by medics upon arrival and this passenger was offloaded and transported to a nearby hospital.
“Passengers were notified of the diversion and advised of their options. Despite Ryanair’s efforts to arrange accommodation for passengers, availability was limited, and passengers were advised that they could arrange individual accommodation that they could claim back receipted expenses on Ryanair.com.
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“This flight departed for Manchester the following day.”