Holidaymakers trapped in a five-star hotel for an extra day have been magnanimous about their situation.
Brits became trapped on the other side of a flight from Bristol to Cyprus due to cancellations this week.
They said they were happy to ‘take the rough with the smooth’, having been forced to extend their stay in a five star hotel decked out with king-size beds and hot tubs, Devon Live reported.
Their flight from Bristol Airport to Paphos had been cancelled, leaving passengers stranded in both Bristol and the plane’s return flight from Paphos on Saturday, June 18.
The plane did eventually take off, taking TUI customers to Paphos on 9am on Sunday, landing at 2pm and then making a quick return to Bristol at around 4.30pm.
On the island passengers arrived at the airport shortly after 5pm UK time for their evening flight, only to find out that it was cancelled.
Three coach-loads of passengers were told on arrival to the airport they would not be flying and a coach transfer was hastily arranged to take them to the five-star Azia Resort.
Those on the cancelled TOM6677 flight were treated to full board status, including meals and soft drinks. Some passengers said their new hotel rooms for the evening included a hot tub and king size beds.
Jonathan Kesselman, who was part of a wedding party travelling home to Tiverton, said: “It was a bit of a worry when we first found out, but when we found out we were staying in a five star hotel, it was quite pleasing.
“We were looked after very quickly by TUI and we found out exactly what was happening as soon as we got to the airport.
"We got off the coach and arrived to very pleasant surroundings at our hotel, with lovely food and a great swimming pool and was able to enjoy another day of sunshine in Cyprus.
"We also got to enjoy a magic show that evening. What more could one want?
“I am glad it wasn’t me stuck on the other end. It’s a selfish point of view, as it was a great extension to our holiday. I could have easily stayed for another couple of days as I had enough pants."
Their flight home eventually landed at 9pm on Sunday, June 19.
In an email to those stranded TUI stated: “Firstly, we would like to apologise for the delay to your flight and the disappointment it has caused.
"We completely understand how frustrating this can be and we appreciate your patience. If you are covered by your holiday insurance and would like to pursue a claim, the following information will help you.”
Passengers will also be able to claim £350 as well as £150 in vouchers from TUI.
Those on the original flight to Cyprus were put in a hotel overnight in Cardiff.
One anonymous passenger said she arrived at the airport at 10am with her family for her flight scheduled at 1.35pm, only for the flight to then be delayed till 2.36pm, then 3pm, then again moved to 4.20pm, before being rescheduled for earlier this morning.
Passengers in Bristol reported that they were only drip-fed information and nobody from TUI was on hand to help.
TUI explained, in a text message to passengers that the flight was halted “due to operational disruption”.
It added: “Hotel accommodation and transport is currently being sourced with our ground handling agents.”
