Passengers were thrown into disarray at Manchester Airport this afternoon following a major IT failure for easyJet. The budget airline cancelled nine flights from Manchester in all, with more than 200 across the UK disrupted.
To add to the chaos, the Manchester Evening News understands that armed police were called to deal with ‘pockets of disorder’ following a flight cancellation. It’s thought armed cops were sent as they were closest to the scene, not necessarily because of the firepower they possess.
Outside the airport, a diesel spillage also created traffic misery for motorists, with delays of up to 70 minutes seen at times on the M56. However, by 6pm, it’s understood that easyJet had remedied the IT issues, arguments had quelled, and traffic had cleared on the motorway.
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The end to the disruption will come as cold comfort to Sue Longden, though. She was set to fly to Antalya in Turkey with seven other family members to celebrate her 60th birthday.
“We are not able to get out there,” she told the M.E.N. “We just felt binned off. We do not even know if we will be reimbursed.”
Sue, from Radcliffe, described the moment that she learned of her cancellation. She explained: “We milled about until the gate opened, then it said boarding. They let a few through, then everything stopped. Someone on the app said the flight had been cancelled. It was just hearsay.
“The [staff] just said to go on the app and change your flights. They escorted us to get our luggage, they did not say they would help arrange [alternative] flights. They were no help whatsoever. They did not give us any information.”
To make matters worse, Sue says the next flight to their destination is a week tomorrow — Friday, June 3. It means her and her family can no longer have their trip.
An easyJet spokesperson apologised for the disruption, and advised passengers to apply for compensation. The firm’s statement said: "easyJet can confirm that the earlier IT systems issues have now been rectified. Unfortunately, they resulted in some cancellations earlier today and while we expect to operate most of our remaining flying programme some may still be subject to some disruption in the coming hours.
"We advise customers due to travel with us to continue to check Flight Tracker for the status of their flight before making their way to the airport. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and customers can apply for compensation in line with regulations."
