TUI launches investigation after entire plane is forced to self isolate

TUI has launched an investigation after almost 200 passengers and crew on a flight from Zante were told to self isolate following positive Coronvirus tests for seven people.

The company faced criticism that some passengers on the flight to Cardiff had flouted mask-wearing regulations and that cabin crew ‘couldn’t care less’.

The flight was a ‘debacle’, according to one passenger.

The criticism came after Public Health Wales (PHW) told the 193 passengers and crew that they needed self-isolate for a fortnight after seven people from three separate parties tested positive for the virus. A further nine passengers have since tested positive, making 16 in total.

TUI confimed an investigation was underway following complaints made by one passenger, Stephanie Whitfield.

"The health and safety of passengers is always our priority and we are concerned to hear of Mrs Whitfield’s claims," the operator said in a statement. "Our crew are trained to the highest standards and in line with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) guidelines.

"Passengers are informed prior to travel and via PA announcements on the flight that they have to wear masks throughout and are not allowed to move around the cabin.

"Masks can only be removed when consuming food and drink.

"A full investigation is now underway as these concerns weren’t reported during the flight or before today."

Whitfield told the BBC that the flight had been a ‘debacle’.

"The chap next to me had his mask around his neck. Not only did the airline not pull him up on it, they gave him a free drink when he said he knew a member of the crew," she was reported as saying.

"Loads of people were taking their masks off and wandering up and down the aisles to talk to others.

"As soon as the flight landed, a load of people took their masks off immediately. The flight was full of selfish ‘covidiots’ and an inept crew who couldn’t care less."

Cardiff Airport, which is owned by the Welsh Government, said it was working closely with airlines to ‘facilitate passenger travel throughout this challenging time for the industry’.

"TUI is taking every necessary measure following today’s report," Cardiff Airport interim Chief Executive Spencer Birns said. 

"Cardiff Airport is closely following guidelines set out by Public Health Wales, FCO and UK Government and has already taken a number of measures to ensure the safety and security of our team and customers, which is our number one priority."