A Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Tirana, expected to take three hours, was extended to a 12-hour ordeal due to severe weather and passenger incidents. The flight, which departed on June 3, encountered a significant thunderstorm, leading to two diversions, first to Brindisi, Italy, and then to Thessaloniki, Greece, before finally reaching its destination.
During the extended journey, reports indicate that food and water supplies dwindled, prompting frustration among passengers. An anonymous traveler described a situation where passengers became upset, with some demanding to disembark in Greece. Greek police were reportedly called onto the aircraft to manage the situation.
One incident involved a heavily intoxicated passenger who refused to comply with instructions. According to a source, an air hostess had to physically restrain the individual and escort them back to their seat. Another passenger reportedly removed their shirt mid-flight, eliciting mixed reactions from fellow travelers.
The flight was reportedly packed with groups preparing for festival season, some of whom had brought alcohol onboard. The diversions led to prolonged periods on the tarmac, during which some passengers expressed anger towards the pilot.
Ryanair stated that the diversions were due to adverse weather conditions at Tirana Airport and a subsequent thunderstorm. The airline also noted that after 45 minutes of the first diversion, onboard bars were opened for passengers to purchase snacks and refreshments. Communications were reportedly sent to passengers via email, SMS, and push notifications. The flight ultimately departed Tirana at 4:44 a.m. local time after weather conditions improved.
One passenger who experienced the extended flight has initiated a dispute with AviationADR seeking compensation, reporting an automatic rejection of their initial claim. Ryanair maintained that the disruptions were caused by unexpected and extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.