A long flight delay involving a low-cost carrier from Chania to Thessaloniki on Sunday evening took a dramatic turn.
According to ERT, the Boeing 737 carrying 183 passengers was scheduled to take off at 4:40 p.m. from Chania’s “Daskalogiannis” Airport; however, during taxiing, a technical problem arose and the pilot decided to return the aircraft to its parking position.
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Technicians rushed to the scene to inspect the aircraft and determine whether it was safe to proceed with the flight.
According to the same reports, when another attempt was made to start the engines approximately two hours later, the same warning appeared on the instrument panel again, resulting in yet another delay in departure.
As a result, the 183 passengers remained on board the aircraft for about five hours, with some of them complaining that when they asked for water, they were told they would have to pay for it.
When, after waiting for about five hours, the “green light” was finally given for departure, several passengers protested and stated that they did not wish to travel as the aircraft began to taxi.
According to ERT, shouting and major commotion ensued, while one woman fainted and another suffered a panic attack.
The police were called to the airport, where officers attempted to calm everyone down and manage the tension that had arisen. Ultimately, 25 passengers decided not to board the flight and disembarked from the aircraft. While boarding a bus, a woman injured her leg and required the assistance of the National Ambulance Service (EKAV), which transported her to a hospital for first aid.
The remaining 25 passengers left the airport for the city of Chania, while the rest of the travelers eventually continued their flight to Thessaloniki.
The aircraft finally departed from “Daskalogiannis” Airport at 9:50 p.m.
