Direct flight holiday debacle

A supposed sunshine holiday in Madeira has turned into something of a debacle today for dozens of Manx tourists.

Their "direct" flight from Ronaldsway, which should have flown straight out to the popular holiday destination yesterday afternoon, still hasn't arrived at its destination.

The plane spent several hours on the tarmac at Ronaldsway, after a change in wind direction meant it was carrying too much fuel for take-off.

A request from the Captain of the aircraft to be "de-fuelled" couldn't be carried out as there was insufficient storage capacity at Ronaldsway.

Passengers then spent from 3.45 until 7pm onboard the plane whilst it was decided what should be done.

Thirty passengers eventually had to give up their seats and opt to fly out on a non-direct flight via Manchester, Heathrow and Oporto today, for which they received compensation of around 250 Euros.

However, it's understood some decided to cancel their holiday altogether.

It's believed those who DID get away yesterday (Mon) will eventually get to Madeira this afternoon, after spending last night in a hotel in Portugal.

There have been complaints that the company who organised the trip, Atlantic Holidays, didn't let passengers know what was going on, and despite spending a total of nine hours on the plane, passengers were only offered a sandwich and a drink.

It's claimed that some of those now in Portugal are without their luggage, after 25 suitcases had to be taken off the aircraft before it took off.