Strong gusts from Storm Franklin disrupted air traffic. Planes could not land in Charleroi. As a result, it was a real hassle for the passengers who contacted us via the orange Alert us button.
It’s a return from vacation that Alicia won’t soon forget. Last night, this Ryanair passenger was returning from Lisbon, but as she approached Charleroi airport, the wind was blowing too hard and there was panic on board. “There was a lot of turmoil: there were people crying, screaming, vomiting, she describes to us over the phone after contacting us via the orange Alert us button. During all this time, we were alone: we shared bags to be able to vomit because the cabin crew, we did not see it “.
Diverted to Luxembourg, passengers must then reach Charleroi by their own means
Alicia’s plane was supposed to land around 10:45 p.m. After 50 minutes, the pilot decides to land in Luxembourg. But once there, the wait for the 130 passengers is long. After 2 hours, buses finally arrive. “We get on the buses, and there, surprise: the buses drop us off as far as the terminal and not as far as Charleroi. Once we arrive at the airport, we are told that we will have to manage to get back“, denounces the passenger.
Alicia: “We’re going to file a complaint”
With the help of airport staff, the 34-year-old found a taxi. Cost of the trip to Nivelles: 490 euros. She shares the trip and expenses with six other passengers. The less fortunate will have to wait for the first scheduled train at 5:30 am. “With other ladies, we try to get reimbursed first, then we will file a complaint against Ryanair. We will go through the consumer defense association Tests-Achats, that’s for sure”assures the young woman.
“I’ve never experienced this in my life! The pilot has achieved a feat”
Other passengers were able to land in Charleroi despite the turbulence and thank the crew. “Ryanair flight FR 6106: we were taken off from Ciampino (in Rome, editor’s note) for Charleroi to land in the middle of a storm, describes Virzi via the orange Alert us button. We missed our landing three times. Three times overshoot. We almost died: people were panicking, screaming. We were shaken in all directions. I have never experienced this in my life. The stewards and hostesses were very professional. They reassured us because we were at the back of the plane. We learned that the plane from Lisbon was unable to land. Hence the exploit again of the two pilots. Twice, we all applauded the pilot of the plane for his achievement!”
Other flights have been diverted to Brussels Airport or Liège
Several flights experienced the same mishap last night. “Return from Milan tonight: we’ve been stuck on the plane for more than 2 hours on the tarmac at Brussels Zaventem. No one knows for how long yet! Without food, without drink, it’s a mess”comments Clément via the orange Alert us button.
Some flights have been diverted to Brussels Airport or Liège. Liège hosted two flights last night from Treviso and Toulon.