Drunk Passengers 'Traumatize' Crew as Malaga Flight Canceled Before Takeoff

Disruptive Incident Causes Flight Cancellation at Malaga Airport

Hundreds of travelers found themselves stranded at Malaga airport after a disruptive incident involving passengers led to the cancellation of a flight bound for Liverpool. The situation left many feeling frustrated and uncertain about their travel plans.

The flight, designated as U23382, was scheduled to depart from Malaga at 11:25 pm on Saturday night. However, the departure was called off after three passengers from an inbound flight were escorted out of the jet bridge by police. This event reportedly caused the captain to refuse to proceed with the flight.

Passengers who were waiting to board the plane described hearing “shouting and screaming” coming from the aircraft. According to eyewitnesses who spoke with easyJet staff and Spanish police, the commotion was significant enough to disrupt the boarding process.

James Holt, a passenger from Manchester, shared his experience with the Echo. He mentioned that the individuals involved were clearly intoxicated and were taken off the plane one by one. After this, passengers were instructed to return to the gate desk, where they were informed that the flight would not be departing due to the incident.

Gaynor Loguellou, another passenger from Greasby, was planning to return to Liverpool with her family. She recounted how the captain told them, “my crew are traumatised, so we’re cancelling your flight.” She expressed disbelief, noting that the group included young children and was eager to get home.

The exact nature of the incident remains unclear, but it appears to have had a significant impact on the crew's ability to operate the flight. Ms. Loguellou added that after the cancellation, passengers were left to handle their own arrangements, with instructions to book alternative flights through the easyJet app.

However, many passengers found this process challenging, especially older individuals who struggled with the technology. Mr. Holt noted that the app was glitchy, making it difficult to secure spots on later flights. He described the scene as chaotic, with around 200 people trying to access a malfunctioning website.

In addition to the technical issues, passengers reported receiving little support from the airline. Mr. Holt said that staff members advised them to book hotels and then seek reimbursement, but all accommodations were fully booked. With the incident occurring after midnight, finding a place to stay became even more difficult.

An easyJet spokesperson provided a statement regarding the situation. They explained that the flight from Malaga to Liverpool could not operate due to the disruptive passenger incident on the inbound flight, which affected the crew’s ability to conduct the return flight. The airline emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is a top priority, and crew members have a responsibility to declare if they do not feel fit to operate.

While the airline acknowledged that the situation was outside of their control, they expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and worked to minimize the impact. They offered options for rebooking or receiving a refund, along with hotel accommodation and meals. Additionally, they stated that they would reimburse any customers who booked their own lodging.

The airline also mentioned that they are looking into the experiences of the affected passengers at the airport and will be reviewing the situation with their ground handling provider in Malaga.

For those affected by flight cancellations, understanding their rights can be crucial. Travelers may be entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances of the disruption. It is always advisable to check with the airline for specific details and options available.