An easyJet flight destined for Liverpool had to be canceled in Spain due to unruly passengers, causing inconvenience to hundreds of travelers. Reports from holidaymakers at Malaga Airport described a chaotic scene with shouting and commotion coming from a plane scheduled to depart at 11.25 pm. Witnesses observed three allegedly intoxicated passengers being removed from the flight by easyJet personnel and local police. Subsequently, the remaining passengers were escorted back to the check-in desk where the pilot informed them that the crew was too distressed to continue the journey to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Following the cancellation, passengers expressed dissatisfaction with easyJet’s handling of the situation, claiming that they were instructed to use an app to secure alternate flights and were left without accommodation options. A spokesperson for easyJet clarified that crew members have the right to decline operation if they feel unfit to do so and expressed regret for the disruption caused, assuring affected customers of refunds for self-booked accommodations.
Affected passengers like Gaynor Loguellou and James Holt recounted their experiences, highlighting the distress and inconvenience caused by the incident. Despite efforts to find alternative flights via the app, many passengers, particularly older individuals, faced challenges navigating the system. Gaynor mentioned the difficulty in arranging travel for her group, leading to potential missed appointments and overall dissatisfaction with the airline’s response.
An official statement from easyJet acknowledged the disruptive passenger incident that led to the crew’s inability to operate the return flight, emphasizing the company’s commitment to customer and crew safety. While expressing regret for the disruption, easyJet offered rebooking options, refunds, and assistance with accommodation and meals for affected passengers, ensuring reimbursement for those who made their own arrangements.