More than 100 passengers from Northern Ireland have been left stranded in Tunisia after an easyJet flight from Enfidha-Hamamet Airport to Belfast International was cancelled following technical problems.
Passengers said they had already completed check-in and were waiting at the gate on Saturday night when, after more than two hours of delays, they were told the flight could not operate. The pilot reportedly told passengers the aircraft had several technical issues, including a problem affecting its steering.
What followed has been described by passengers as days of stress, uncertainty and poor communication.
Stuart McCartney, travelling with his family of five, said he has spent around £4,000 arranging alternative flights home. His family was initially given two nights of hotel accommodation, but then had to make their own arrangements.
His mother, who was travelling with them, relies on heart medication, adding to the family’s concerns.
Another passenger, Georgina Doherty, was stranded with her six children, aged four to 16, after her mother-in-law died while the family was in Tunisia. She said the family was facing a bill of about €3,700 (£3,170) to remain in their accommodation after the airline-provided stay ended.
“It was an absolute nightmare,” she said, describing a lack of communication as the family tried to cope with the death of a loved one and arrange a way home.
Martine Murray, from Belfast, said she was desperate to return because her mother is seriously ill. She also said she had run out of her COPD inhaler while stranded.
Passengers said they helped one another with transport, translation and finding alternative routes, describing an “unbelievable” sense of camaraderie among those affected.
easyJet said the Belfast flight on 23 August was unable to operate because of a technical issue. The airline said it had provided hotel accommodation and meals, would reimburse eligible expenses, and was arranging an additional direct flight from Enfidha to Belfast.
