Dozens of travelers from Northern Ireland have been left stranded in Tunisia following the cancellation of their EasyJet flight to Belfast. The airline informed passengers that no alternative flights were available for another 10 days, prompting some to scramble for costly alternative travel arrangements.
More than 100 people were reportedly booked on the flight that was scheduled to depart from Enfidha-Hamamet Airport several days ago. Passengers have expressed frustration over EasyJet's support and communication, with some reporting concerns about running out of essential medication during the extended delay.
Stuart McCartney, a passenger from Dromore, County Down, stated that he had incurred significant expenses, spending over £4,000 to arrange flights to Brussels for his family of five as an alternative route home. He indicated a willingness to pay for immediate travel and seek reimbursement later, emphasizing that passengers should not have to bear such costs for a holiday they had already paid for.
EasyJet initially provided two nights of accommodation for Mr. McCartney's family but later advised them to secure their own lodging for the remainder of the delay. His mother, Katherine, who relies on heart medication, has had her supply closely monitored due to the prolonged situation.
An EasyJet spokesperson apologized for the flight cancellation and the inconvenience caused. The airline stated it had been providing Mr. McCartney with hotel accommodation and meals and committed to reimbursing any incurred expenses.
Another passenger, Martine Murray, reported running out of an inhaler for her COPD and expressed anxiety about returning home to her seriously ill mother. Chloe McGinty, a student from County Donegal, described the experience as an "absolute nightmare."
EasyJet has since announced it is operating an additional direct flight to Belfast on Tuesday night in response to the situation.