TravelMole
Agent

Massive airlift brings EasyJet stranded home

Monday, 26 April 20103 min read

EasyJet was expected to have flown 200,000 passengers stranded by the volcanic ash crisis home by yesterday.

All passengers were due to be home by the end of the weekend in an "enormous logistical exercise".

Rescue flights were laid on with the help of specially chartered aircraft in addition to the carrier running effectively a full flying programme from last Wednesday as soon as restrictions were lifted.

Sales were suspended on "many routes" to allow those stuck abroad to be flown back to the UK.

Special stand-by desks were set up at airports to help stranded passengers get on the next available flight.

But the airline said it could not "exclude the possibility" of individual passengers still waiting for flights. Passengers were advised to email [email protected] with their booking reference number and family name and they will be contacted to arrange a return flight.

Chief executive Andy Harrison said: "Bringing 200,000 passengers home has required a massive airlift, and I thank our passengers for their patience and undersatnding during this unprecedented natural disaster."

Meanwhile, Flybe has put seven million seats on sale at prices starting at £21.50 one way including taxes and charges.

Chief commercial officer Mike Rutter said: “This past week has been challenging for everyone but the strength of our regional network model is now ensuring that, with the exception minor logistical challenges, we have been able to return quickly to normal operations and to get Britain back on the move.”

by Phil Davies