Passengers on a British Airways flight have accused Stanley Johnson, father of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, of causing a diverted flight to be cancelled. The incident unfolded on BA2641 from Malaga to London Gatwick.
Flight Disruption
The flight was initially diverted to Heathrow after another BA flight rejected take-off at Gatwick, resulting in a 50-minute runway closure and the diversion of 16 flights, including the Malaga flight.
The plan was to refuel the Airbus A321 at Heathrow and then make the short hop to Gatwick once the runway reopened. However, according to passengers, some individuals, including Mr Johnson, were adamant about disembarking at Heathrow, which led to the cancellation of the flight.
Police Involvement
At one point, airport police were summoned to handle the situation. Annemarie, another passenger, recounted, “Apparently, Stanley Johnson refused to stay on the plane, along with a terrified flyer. They were getting quite irate, hence the police.”
She continued, “This caused carnage because the airline cannot make you stay on the plane against your will. And because so many passengers wanted to get off, it would have caused hell at Heathrow with passengers having to claim their luggage and then those who wanted to go to Gatwick to perhaps claim their luggage, then recheck in again, and it would have meant the crew were out of flying hours. The airline made the decision to cancel the flight.”
Impact on Passengers
The unexpected diversion and subsequent cancellation left many passengers frustrated, especially those with cars parked at Gatwick or other commitments. The airline’s decision to cancel the flight was based on logistical challenges, including managing luggage and crew hours.
Ongoing Disruption at Gatwick
This incident comes amid broader disruption at Gatwick, which has faced several operational challenges recently. The runway closure that led to the flight diversions is part of a series of disruptions affecting passengers and flight schedules.
Conclusion
British Airways and airport authorities are investigating the incident, and passengers affected by the cancellation are being advised on how to proceed. Meanwhile, the frustration and inconvenience experienced by passengers remain a significant concern.
