Increase in disruption to Island's connectivity 'disgusting', says flight passenger

Yesterday's easyJet service returned to Liverpool because it was too windy to deploy stairs to disembark

A passenger onboard yesterday's flight from Liverpool has called the increase in disruptions to the Island's connectivity 'disgusting'.

The easyJet service was forced to return to the UK after landing at Ronaldsway because passengers were told it was too windy to use the stairs to disembark. 

Gary was onboard the flight and called Mannin Line to share his experience.

He says there's been a noticeable decline in services:

EasyJet says the safety and wellbeing of its customers and crew is it’s highest priority and the airline has done everything possible to minimise the impact of the weather for passengers.

A spokesperson for the airline says: "Due to strong winds on the Isle of Man yesterday evening resulting in ground handling services being suspended, customers on flight EZY517 from Liverpool were unable to disembark and as the weather was not expected to improve, the flight returned to Liverpool and was cancelled.

"The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority and we did all possible to minimise the impact of the weather for or customers, providing the option to rebook or receive a refund, as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who required them.

"While this was outside of our control, we are very sorry customers for the inconvenience caused."

Meanwhile the Department of Infrastructure, on behalf of Isle of Man Airport, has also apologised for yesterday's disruption.

In a statement, it says: "Due to strong and gusting winds, aircraft steps could not be safely deployed on some flights in line with established safety limits operated by the airport’s ground handling provider, Menzies Aviation. These limits are in place to protect passengers while boarding and disembarking.

"The variable wind conditions meant that flights were affected differently. As a result, some services were cancelled or diverted, and in one case an aircraft landed safely but passengers were unable to disembark and the aircraft subsequently returned to its departure airport.

"Geoffrey Pugh, Interim Airport Director, said: ‘We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of yesterday’s high winds. These were unusual circumstances and safety must always come first. While these measures are necessary to protect everyone at the airport, we understand the disruption this caused and appreciate the patience shown by those affected.’

"The airport continues to work closely with its service partners and operators to minimise disruption and ensure the highest standards of safety during adverse weather conditions."

Manx Radio has also contacted Menzies, which operates the stairs, for a response.