Irish holidaymakers left terrified after Aer Lingus flight from Lanzarote nearly runs out of fuel
PASSENGERS were left terrified after an Aer Lingus flight almost ran out of fuel.
The flight from Lanzarote to Dublin on Wednesday night was forced to divert to Shannon amid the mayhem.
Traumatised travellers last night lifted the lid on the holiday flight ordeal, revealing how an alarming announcement was made on approach to Shannon about what to do if an evacuation was needed.
One declared: “Was very scary. Most thought plane had serious issue at that stage as wasn’t clear what was going on.”
Another added: “Don’t forget the announcement on approach to Shannon about what to do if an evacuation is needed.
"The plane was very low on fuel.”
A third said: “More utter chaos from Aer Lingus. Flight delayed, takes off 2hrs late, gets as far as Bray, but there’s no runway (at Dublin) big enough free to take the plane.
"They don’t have enough fuel to circle so have to divert to Shannon….all at 2am.
"They have to wait to refuel and take off for Dublin again and hope the runway is free this time.
"It was still an unwelcome worry for those involved and for family waiting, unaware of what was going on.”
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The Irish Sun can reveal the Aer Lingus service on Wednesday was operated by a third party firm behind Rwanda refugee removal flights in the UK.
Spanish charter carrier Privilege Style has come under fire for its involvement in removing refugees from the UK to Rwanda.
Now the controversial company has landed in more turbulence following the traumatic experience faced by Irish passengers this week.
We have learned Aer Lingus is using Privilege Style to operate some of its flights as the Irish airline deals with a staffing issue among its pilots.
FORCED TO DIVERT
Privilege Style operated Aer Lingus flight EI779 from Lanzarote to Dublin on Wednesday when it was forced to divert to Shannon.
It is claimed the diversion was caused due to a blunder in failing to realise the main runway at Dublin was closed for maintenance works late on Wednesday night.
The main runway closure at Dublin airport was flagged by a NOTAM (Notification To Airmen), which pilots are meant to read before flight.
Instead, flight EI779, low on fuel, had to divert to Shannon because there was no runaway big enough at Dublin free to take the plane.
REELING
The rerouted flight later landed back in Dublin in the early hours some two hours late, with families left reeling from the experience.
When asked to comment last night, Aer Lingus told the Irish Sun: “Due to crew illness and operational challenges, we have leased an aircraft from Privilege Style to operate on our behalf and minimise disruption to our customers’ travel plans.
"The Privilege Style aircraft and company meet all safety requirements set by both Aer Lingus and the Irish Aviation Authority.
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“Aer Lingus flight EI779, which was operated by Privilege Style on behalf of Aer Lingus, from Lanzarote to Dublin yesterday evening, was diverted to Shannon for operational reasons but then continued to Dublin, arriving less than two hours behind schedule.
"We apologise to those customers impacted for the delay.”