Ports Director Anne Reynolds says long delays suffered by passengers due to leave the Island on a direct flight to Madeira could have been avoided had the captain made a faster decision.
Frustrated holiday-makers spent five hours on the runway at Ronaldsway on Monday (21 October) when a combination of weather and load factors delayed the departure of an aircraft chartered by Atlantic Holidays.
A change in wind direction meant the plane was too heavy to take-off, however the airport lacked sufficient storage capacity for the quantity of fuel the captain wished to off-load.
The flight eventually left at around 8.30pm Monday after 30 passengers volunteered to give up their seats and leave on a non-direct flight the following day.
Despite an understanding those remaining on-board would fly direct to Madeira, passengers spent the night in Lisbon after a stop-over to accomodate a crew change, only arriving at their resort hotels at 6pm Tuesday, more than 24 hours after boarding.
Ms Reynolds says it's unfortunate the situation was allowed to drag on:
Clip 1
Balthane Roundabout targeted for Spring 2027 completion, says infrastructure minister
Jurby Junk founder dies aged 90
Treasury exploring replacement payment card scheme
Liverpool ferry terminal dispute escalates in House of Keys as minister refuses to publish final cost
Assisted Dying Bill: Health minister writes to MHKs as Ministry of Justice holds legislation under review