Zante airport in 'total chaos': British tourists stranded as easyJet plane is grounded for days
Scores of British holidaymakers have been left stranded in "total chaos" on the Greek island of Zante after an
easyJet plane was grounded for at least two days. Technical problems with flight EZY9746 to London Gatwick mean it has been stuck on the tarmac since Sunday. The airline tried to rescue those who had been stranded, but a nighttime curfew on landings reportedly caused by endangered loggerhead turtles mean they had to cancel a relief flight.It follows allegations that a British easyJet passenger reportedly being
punched by an airport worker in Nice, in the South of France, on Saturday, as a 14-hour delay with a flight to Luton left furious passengers without food, water and baby supplies.
Many of those involved in the Greek delays have reportedly been left without adequate supplies and there have been problems finding hotel rooms at the height of the tourist season.
Passenger George Trefgarne was originally booked on the flight with his wife Camilla and their two children – Alice, eight, and William, seven – as they tried to get home to London.
Mr Trefgarne said "it was total chaos". He said only cheese sandwiches were available in two airport cafes and ground staff were "totally overwhelmed".
Mr Trefgarne added: "We were among a handful who managed to get out on a Thomson flight, but only after spending nine hours at the airport with no information.
"There were lots of families with children but no easyJet reps and no offers of anything to eat or drink. I feel so sorry for those left behind."
Those not placed on another plane were forced to stay in Zakynthos – as the island is known by its Greek name – and were hoping that the Gatwick flight would finally leave at 2pm local time on Tuesday following a minimum 48-hour delay.
An easyJet spokesman said: "Unfortunately easyJet was unable to operate the flight EZY8746 from Zante to London Gatwick on Sunday due to a technical fault with the aircraft.
"Engineers were immediately dispatched to Zante and believed that the technical issue was rectified [on Monday], however it then reoccurred before boarding which meant the flight could not operate.
"The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and we will only operate if it is safe to do so.
"We do all possible to try and minimise delays and as such planned to send a replacement aircraft. Unfortunately, due to the night curfew rule at the airport, we were unable to get the aircraft into the airport on Monday. The flight is now due to depart on Tuesday afternoon."
easyJet did not supply the exact number of passengers involved or give more details of the technical fault with the plane.
The spokesman added: "Around half of the passengers have travelled on flights with alternative carriers on [Monday afternoon]. Passengers have been provided with hotel accommodation and expense in line with European legislation."
The airline added in a statement: "We are very sorry for the delay and thank customers for their understanding."
Under EU law, passengers flying on short-haul flights that experience delays of more than three hours are entitled to around £220 in compensation.
Zakynthos airport, the only one on the island, is close to beaches where loggerhead turtles lay their eggs at night, prompting the authorities to ban aircraft when it is dark.
The flight to and from Zante from Gatwick normally takes around three-and-a-half hours and often includes many British holidaymakers, especially during the summer months.
