A staffing issue meant that passengers on a flight to Manchester Airport had to spend a night in Tenerife.
The flight, a TUI service from Cape Verde to Manchester, was due to arrive on Friday (December 16) evening. However, shortly after take off, passengers were told the plane needed to stop as cabin crew had reached the maximum hours they were allowed to work.
The diversion to Tenerife was meant to allow for a crew change. However, passengers said they were met with an "empty" airport on the Canary Island and the flight was delayed overnight, reports the M.E.N.
READ MORE: Merseyrail could expand to more destinations after new trains tested
Passenger Richard Salkeld said: "It was really frustrating. There was no TUI rep at the airport. Even the immigration officers were asking why we had landed.
"It was very surreal. The communication and co-ordination from TUI was embarrassing. We were not told where we were going.
"It was very disorganised and chaotic. There were about 150 of us and some people were visibly distressed and trying to organise plans back home."
When a replacement cabin crew could not be sourced, the flight was delayed overnight. Mr Salkeld and his fellow passengers were taken to hotels on the island, where they spent the night. TUI says it arranged hotels and transport for all passengers, as well as providing them with food and beverages.
The flight eventually left for Manchester on Saturday afternoon. Mr Salkeld, from County Durham, had been for a four-night break to Cape Verde but said the experience had "tinged" his holiday.
"We are quite confident travellers but even we have found it challenging. A lot of people have found it a stressful experience, especially those who had other arrangements in place. People have missed work today."
A spokesperson for TUI said: "We understand the frustration of customers on flight TOM439, who were delayed overnight in Tenerife. Our teams have been in contact with customers, provided them with transport and overnight accommodation, food and beverages.
"We do our best to ensure customers get to and from their destinations on time, and we’d like to apologise for this inconvenience. Situations like this are rare, and we thank customers for their patience and understanding."
READ NEXT:
'I still don't believe my daughter is gone, it's too much to bear'
'BulletHawk' EncroChat dealer caught after giving out his own address
Where the stars of Merseyside sitcom Watching are now - from Hollywood to EastEnders
Mum 'gobsmacked' when woman asks daughter 'if she believes in Santa' in Tesco
