Police calm stranded Ryanair passengers with water and chocolate
25.06.10
Police were called to calm down passengers on a Ryanair plane stuck on the runway of Prestwick Airport yesterday, and did so by buying them water and chocolate ! The 168 people on board the flight bound for Girona, Spain, became agitated after a near six-hour wait. Some complained they were told they could not have food or water, whilst others wanted to get off.
The flight had been due to fly to Girona, near Barcelona, at 14:00, but was delayed because of the French air traffic controllers' strike. Ryanair staff called Strathclyde Police, and four officers arrived at around 18:00 to calm the situation. They made no arrests and the flight took off for Spain at 19:49.
Ryanair said that while the aircraft was on the ground passengers were allowed to use mobile phones and the plane's toilets, but that as ‘per legal restrictions the bars on board remained closed’.
A spokesman for the airline added: ‘Ryanair asked passengers to remain on board while awaiting take-off authorisation, to minimise passenger inconvenience and avoid a further delay. We sincerely apologise to all affected passengers for this delay caused by French air traffic control strike action.’
A Strathclyde Police spokesman confirmed officers spoke to passengers and then bought them refreshments including chocolate and water.
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