TUI passengers tell of 'nightmare' flight after being kicked off plane 'too heavy to take off'

Holidaymakers have told of their 'nightmare' flight which was delayed for more than 16 hours because the plane was too heavy.

The TUI travellers were left stranded at Exeter Airport overnight after they were told to disembark their flight to Turkey and return home on Saturday, June 3. As reported by Devon Live, those at the airport were told the delay was because the aircraft was carrying too much weight and wasn't safe to take off.

Some passengers watched on in horror as random suitcases were removed from the plane to make it lighter. They were then told they would be waiting until the following day and eventually boarded the flight and headed for Antalya at around 8.40am.

Passengers had to disembark the flight and were told to go home (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

One passenger said: "It was bit of a nightmare to be honest. We will definitely be asking questions of the company. They have only offered us the equivalent of one day's holiday back."

A spokesperson for Tui apologised to those affected, adding: "We completely understand the frustration of customers who were due to be on flight FHY546 from Exeter yesterday and we would like to apologise for the delay in their journey. The flight, operated by Freebird, experienced a technical issue prior to take off. As a precaution, all customers needed to be disembarked so that engineers could carry out an inspection and resolve the problem.

"Due to hotel availability in Exeter, customers were required to return home. Expenses can be claimed back for travel and sustenance expenses. Those customers travelling on a TUI package will receive a one-day pro rata refund. All customers received full communications on how to claim back expenses, as well as details of how to claim compensation from Freebird in accordance with EU regulations. Passengers are now on their way to destination, and we thank them for their patience and understanding.

"The aircraft was in full working order when customers boarded the aircraft however, once the captain completed final checks encountered a weight restriction performance issue. As a precaution, all customers needed to be disembarked so that our engineers could carry out an inspection and resolve the problem."

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