'Fed up' passengers have hit out at Ryanair after their flight home to Manchester was delayed by more than 24 hours. The flight from Rhodes was delayed on Friday evening (August 5), passengers have told the Manchester Evening News.
Passenger Andrew Barlow said he was one of dozens told to return the airport at 1pm today. But after boarding the plane, he claimed the flight was pushed back again until 11pm because of a "technical issue".
Mr Barlow, from Reddish in Stockport, was hoping to return home after 11 nights on the Greek island with his wife and friends. As of 10pm on Saturday, they are still in Rhodes, however. "Security and check-in was a breeze," he explained.
READ MORE: Police kill dog on the loose after it attacks two people in Rochdale street
"We got to the gate and outside on the tarmac then they brought us all back in. There was no explanation then a few hours after they said there was unscheduled maintenance to the aircraft.
"They put us on a bus and took us to a hotel for the night. We got there at 3.30 in the morning."
Mr Barlow said he was told the rearranged flight would depart at 1pm today (Saturday). After checking in for a second time, he and the other passengers boarded the plane before being informed that there was a "technical issue" with the plane.
"We sat on the plane for a couple of hours then they took us back to the gate," Mr Barlow explained. "They have told us there is another plane coming from Athens and that is due to leave at 11pm."
Mr Barlow also hit out at Ryanair over what he claimed was 'terrible communication' amid the frustrating delays. "We have just heard nothing," he said.
"They sent us a voucher for four euros but that will just get you a bottle of water in the airport. It's been a complete nightmare.
"We left the hotel at 6pm yesterday and have been at the airport nearly 24 hours. Everyone is fed up.
"I've never experienced anything like this. I should have been home last night. It's put a blemish on the whole holiday."
Other passengers voiced their frustration on social media.
One tweeted: "By far the longest delay I’ve ever experienced coming home from Rhodes, @Ryanair 26 hours!! What the actual ****."
Another posted in mid-afternoon on Saturday: "@Ryanair cancelled flight last night - no communication at all from Ryanair at Rhodes. Waiting for 8 hours in the airport before being shipped out to various hotels to return 6 hours later. Flight delayed again. Finally get on aircraft and aborted take off - same fault not fixed."
Ryanair has been approached for comment.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
-
Mystery of ex-Wigan Warriors star 'in really bad place' when he vanished six months ago
- 12 pictures of life in Strangeways before the riots which rocked Britain
- Man embroiled in row with 'petty' neighbour has perfect response after they built fence
- Inside the stunning dream homes that were bought for just £1
