EasyJet Boosts Repatriation Efforts and Expands Seats to Support Stranded British Families

EasyJet Adds Repatriation Flights and Extra Seats as British Families Report Being Stuck Overseas

August 29, 2023

EasyJet, one of the prominent budget carriers in Europe, has announced that it will be running five repatriation flights from various holiday destinations in Europe to London Gatwick. The rescue services will operate from Palma in Mallorca and Faro in Portugal on August 30th, from Tenerife and Enfidha in Tunisia on August 31st, and from the Greek island of Rhodes on September 1st. These flights aim to assist British families who have reported being stranded overseas due to the ongoing travel disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this traditionally busy week for travel, options for returning to the UK have become more limited on certain routes. EasyJet recognizes this challenge and is stepping up to operate these repatriation flights to prioritize the safe return of British travelers. The spokesperson for the airline stated, “The budget carrier will also be running larger aircraft on some routes, including from Faro, Ibiza, Dalaman (Turkey), and Tenerife, to provide around 700 extra seats this week.”

Efforts by Other Airlines

Jet2 and Jet 2 Holidays, another popular airline in the UK, have also pledged to provide additional flights to repatriate their customers. They are working diligently to secure hotel accommodations for those unable to return home as scheduled and plan to add extra flights to their existing schedules. Ryanair, a major low-cost carrier in Europe, has proposed the idea of repatriation services and is exploring the possibility of running additional rescue flights in response to the current travel chaos.

Airline’s Legal Obligations and Passengers’ Frustrations

The travel disruptions have resulted in more than 280 flight cancellations across the UK on August 29th, causing widespread frustration among passengers. Some travelers have reported being left stranded without proper support, while others have experienced a lack of communication from airlines regarding rerouting options or offering timely re-accommodation.

Rory Boland, the Travel Editor for Which?, has expressed concerns over airlines failing to fulfill their legal obligations and meet passengers’ needs during these challenging times. He stated, “Passengers should be aware that their airline has a responsibility to reroute them as soon as possible, even if it means purchasing tickets with rival carriers. Passengers should also be provided with food, refreshments, and overnight accommodation if required.”

It is essential for airlines to communicate effectively with their passengers and display commitment to their responsibilities. Boland emphasizes that airlines cannot simply avoid their legal obligations without facing consequences. He expects the Civil Aviation Authority to closely monitor the situation and take enforcement action against any airlines found to be failing in their responsibilities to passengers.

Conclusion

The ongoing travel disruptions have left many British families stranded in various holiday destinations across Europe. EasyJet, along with other airlines, has recognized the urgency of repatriation and has taken steps to operate additional flights and provide extra seats to accommodate stranded passengers. However, there remains a need for better communication and support from airlines to ensure passengers are rerouted promptly and provided the necessary assistance.

As the travel chaos continues, it is crucial for airlines to prioritize their legal obligations and meet the needs of their customers. The Civil Aviation Authority plays a vital role in monitoring the situation and enforcing consequences if airlines fail in their responsibilities. British travelers should stay informed about the options available to them and be aware of their rights as passengers.