Passengers to receive compensation after TUI delayed and then canceled flight from Doncaster Sheffield Airport due to plane ‘not serviceable’ UK News

Passengers were first told the flight had been delayed until 10 p.m., before being told it had been pushed back an hour until 11 p.m.

Some of those affected have complained that the only restaurant at the airport is a branch of Wetherspoons, which quickly ran out of food, after passengers flocked to the pub to redeem the £5 food voucher handed out by the airline .

Holidaymakers were forced to wait at the airport, which some described as ‘freezing cold’, until late in the evening before being told the flight would not leave until the following day.

The passengers were then taken to two hotels in Doncaster in coaches and were told today the flight would be cancelled.

A TUI spokesperson said the flight had been canceled because “on this occasion the aircraft was not airworthy”, and added that “all affected customers received social assistance and accommodation and are entitled to compensation EU 261”.

The spokesperson added: ‘We would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused to customers due to travel on flight TOM646 from Doncaster to Antalya today which was delayed due to an operational issue.

“Unfortunately, due to the length of the delay, which was expected to exceed 72 hours, we felt that the impact on customers’ holidays was too great and have made the difficult decision to cancel the flight. All customers will receive a refund complete within 14 days.

“We understand how disappointing and frustrating this is and apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

The airline said it has also contacted customers directly to advise them on how to claim their compensation.

A spokesman for Doncaster Sheffield Airport said it was ‘deeply sorry’ that passengers ‘did not receive the usual uncomplicated, friendly and prompt customer service usually associated with us and our team’ .

The spokesperson added: “We continue to strive to provide consistent and reliable operation for our customers and passengers and are disappointed that this was not the case in this case.”