easyJet passengers flying to Spain were left in distress as they were barred from entering the country due to Brexit-related regulations. The incident, which occurred on easyJet flight EZY8793 bound for Gibraltar, took a chaotic turn when bad weather forced the plane to land at Malaga airport instead.
Following a two-hour wait onboard, passengers were informed that only those with Spanish residency or visas would be allowed to disembark, leading to frustration and confusion among travellers. Many felt like they were being held hostage on the plane and described the experience as shambolic.
Despite instructions to stay onboard and return to the UK on another flight, some British passengers took matters into their own hands and managed to disembark, defying the restrictions. Once they reached passport control, they were able to enter Spain without any issues, further adding to the confusion surrounding the situation.
Passenger accounts varied, with some describing attempts to get off the plane as a “polite British mutiny” while others shared their disbelief at the lack of clarity and organisation during the ordeal. Those who successfully left the aircraft resorted to taking taxis to complete their journey to Gibraltar, incurring additional expenses of up to 200 euros.
In response to the incident, an easyJet spokesperson issued an apology to affected customers, citing thunderstorms in Gibraltar as the cause for the diversion and subsequent complications. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and clarified that two passengers without the necessary documentation to enter Spain were flown back to London and transferred to a later flight to Gibraltar.
Despite the challenges faced by passengers during this unexpected turn of events, the safety and well-being of customers and crew remained a top priority for easyJet. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties that can arise when travelling post-Brexit, highlighting the importance of clear communication and contingency planning in such situations.