An easyJet flight from Tenerife to London Gatwick was cancelled after an incident where someone defecated on the airplane bathroom floor. This came after the flight had already faced several delays.
Quick Facts
- Initial Delays: The flight was initially delayed due to a switch to a smaller aircraft, causing some passengers to be turned away. Further delays occurred as bags were offloaded due to the aircraft being overweight.
- Atmosphere Onboard: The prolonged wait resulted in a tense atmosphere among passengers. The situation escalated when the defecation incident occurred, leading to an unpleasant odor throughout the cabin.
- Cleaning and Cancellation: External cleaners were brought in to address the unsanitary condition. However, passengers were eventually informed they would have to disembark and were provided hotel accommodations.
The easyJet flight from Tenerife to London Gatwick faced multiple challenges even before the unsanitary incident. Aaran Gedhu, a passenger, recounted the initial delay when the scheduled plane was replaced with a smaller one, causing some passengers to be turned away. Those who boarded then faced another delay as bags were offloaded due to weight concerns. The atmosphere onboard grew increasingly tense, with Gedhu describing it as filled with “suspense and anger.”
The situation took a turn for the worse when someone defecated on the airplane bathroom floor. Gedhu, seated in the middle of the aircraft, noticed two passengers visiting the front bathroom. Soon after, word spread about the incident, and an unpleasant smell permeated the cabin. While most passengers believed it was an accidental occurrence, the plane was deemed unsanitary. External cleaners were summoned to address the situation.
Despite the cleaning efforts, the captain eventually informed passengers of the need to disembark. Kitty Streek, another passenger, captured this announcement on video and shared it on X, formerly known as Twitter. The frustration was palpable among passengers, with many speculating whether the incident was an act of anger due to the flight’s delay. Gedhu mentioned that passengers were accommodated in a hotel overnight before boarding a “rescue” flight the next day.
For Further Reading | Disruptive incidents involving bodily fluids on airplanes have been reported recently. Such incidents not only cause discomfort but also lead to flight delays or cancellations. In September, a Delta Air Lines flight had to turn around due to a passenger’s diarrhea. Similarly, Air Canada apologized after passengers were seated in uncleaned vomit-covered seats. Air France also faced an incident where a passenger found toxic blood and feces under his seat. These incidents highlight the importance of cleanliness and hygiene onboard. [Wikipedia] |
Q&A
What was the initial cause of the flight’s delay?
The flight was first delayed due to a switch to a smaller aircraft, and later because of the need to offload bags due to the aircraft being overweight.
How did passengers react to the defecation incident?
Most passengers believed it was an accident and remained polite to each other, despite the uncomfortable situation.
What measures did easyJet take post-incident?
easyJet brought in external cleaners to sanitize the aircraft and provided hotel accommodations for the passengers. A “rescue” flight was scheduled for the next day.
Original article source: CNN Travel