A Welsh couple have described the nightmare journey they're having after their flight from Amsterdam to Bristol Airport was diverted because of Storm Otto. Becca Tan, 33, and her partner Jordan Gregory, 30, from the Rhondda valley, were due to fly to Bristol on Friday morning - and expected to be home with their kids by late afternoon - but their delayed flight was diverted to Gatwick because of the weather conditions at Bristol - and they remain stranded there.
After their flight was diverted, Jordan says the plane was refuelled and took off again - with the pilot hoping the weather would clear and he could land at Bristol. Unfortunately, this couldn't happen and so after 90 minutes in the air the plane landed in Gatwick again.
But the travel nightmare still wasn't over - with the plane on the runway for a further 90 minutes and passengers only given "a small glass of Coke, Fanta or pop and a snack" to tide them over, Jordan says. Eventually, Jordan, Becca and fellow passengers were allowed off the plane - only to be told they needed to make their own arrangements to Bristol Airport or directly home.
Read more: Man seriously hurt by falling tree in Storm Otto
Jordan has criticised the "lack of communication" from EasyJet staff. He says whilst staff were able to arrange transport for passengers diverted to Gatwick on other flights, they were unable to for people on his flight, EZY 6162, and have given very little information on what passengers can do in order to get home or back to Bristol.
With no transport provided, Jordan, Becca and dozens of others are having to fork out for buses, trains and taxis to get them home - or back to Bristol Airport to collect their vehicles in the car parks there.
"This is the first and last time I'll be flying with EasyJet, I'll never use them again," Jordan said. "I understand this [flight diversions due to poor weather] happens but they've had four hours to sort out travel for us to get back to Bristol, and they [EasyJet] haven't. I'm stuck six hours away from home and can't even go straight home as my car is at Bristol Airport car park."
Jordan and Becca had travelled to Amsterdam this week to celebrate Jordan's 30th birthday - but he says the chaotic travel arrangements today have cast a shadow on his trip.
"We got out of the plane at about 5.15pm, now [6.20pm] we're still at Gatwick, hoping to get us a bus at 7.05pm. There's been no help from anyone, they say there's nothing they can do. There's young people here who need to get all the way to Plymouth and they don't have the money and they [EasyJet] said to them: 'why don't you ask your parents to lend you?'"
"They've basically left us at Gatwick to fend for ourselves."
What did Bristol Airport and EasyJet say?
A spokesperson for Bristol Airport said that a limited number of flights were impacted due to Storm Otto.
She added: "Bristol Airport like other airports across the UK has experienced some disruption caused due to Storm Otto today (Friday 17 February). A limited number of flights have experienced flight delays, and three flights have diverted, however the majority of flights remain operating as normal. The disruption may cause reactionary delays to some flights later this evening.
"It is a rapidly changing situation and customers are advised to keep updated with the latest flight information by checking the airline website."
WalesOnline understands passengers on flight EZY 6162 received the following text message from EasyJet: "We're very sorry but due to high demand in London Gatwick we are unable to arrange onward transport for you. If you're able to make your own arrangements, we will refund the cost.
"Please retain all your receipts in order to make your claim. If you need any further assistance please speak to one of our ground crew in the airport who will be happy to help you."
The latest update on the EasyJet website for this flight says: "We’re very sorry that your flight has now been diverted furthermore. This is due to poor weather conditions in Bristol, which are below safe operating limits.
"The disruption to your flight is outside of our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance. What happens now: Unfortunately, we'll not be able to continue your flight. Please arrange reasonably priced transport and we'll reimburse you for these expenses. Please keep all your receipts and you will be able to claim the costs."
A spokesperson for EasyJet later commented: "easyJet can confirm that flight EZY6162 from Amsterdam to Bristol was unable to land in Bristol due to winds gusting outside the limits of the aircraft.
"Due to limited coach availability in London Gatwick, unfortunately we were unable to provide coach transfers for all customers and so advised anyone who sourced their own transport to Bristol that they will be reimbursed.
"The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and while this was out outside of our control, we would like to apologise to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the weather."
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