Tui customers have taken to Twitter to complain about delays of more 20 hours at Birmingham airport forcing some passengers to sleep at the terminal.
Birmingham’s runway had to close on Saturday afternoon for several hours after a Norwegian aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport.
The Norwegian flight from Reykjavik to Madrid had to be diverted to Birmingham due to a “hydraulic issue” – the aircraft landed safely with no injuries to all 152 passengers or crew.
But the closure of the runway caused delays and cancellations on Saturday, with many Tui customers complaining about a lack of information and staff at the airport as some of the operator’s flights having to be rescheduled for Sunday and Monday.
Susan Suddards wrote on Twitter: “Worst customer service ever #Tui - flight delay 7 hours - not a rep in sight. No information, no refreshments, no hotel rooms and a new flight time +24 hours. You will be hearing from my lawyer.”
While Samantha Betteridge said: “Absolutely shocking customer service...actually NO customer service at all as lines are closed on the weekend and not a rep in sight.”
Richard Hallum added: “Over 8 hours after flight cancelled and still no sign of promised transport to overnight hotel. Gone 2am and still at Birmingham.”
Tui has apologised to customers affected by the disruption and said all customers had been provided with overnight accommodation.
“Due a closure at Birmingham airport on Saturday, June 16, and mandatory crew rest restrictions, a small number of flights between Birmingham and Kos, Rhodes and Fuerteventura were rescheduled to depart on Sunday, June 17, or Monday, June 18,” said Tui in a statement.
“All customers affected by these delays were provided with overnight accommodation and welfare before continuing their journey.
“We understand how frustrating a flight delay can be and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this time.”