Reader TTS

BRITONS WERE UNABLE TO FLY BACK TO GATWICK ON SUNDAY (1) AFTER THEIR HALF TERM HOLIDAYS IN MAJORCA WITH EASYJET AND OTHER AIRLINES DUE TO THE 'RESTRICTIONS' - THE REASON FOR WHICH

REMAINS UNCLEAR 14:28, 03 Jun 2025 EasyJet has issued a statement after thousands of UK tourists were left stranded in Majorca due to weather issues. Brits were left marooned at

Majorca's Palma airport following a spate of cancellations triggered by 'air traffic control restrictions'. An easyJet spokesperson said it was down to weather issues and

particular thunderstorms. READ MORE: SHOP CLOSING ON BIRMINGHAM HIGH STREET A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, due to the impact of widespread thunderstorms across Northern Europe

yesterday, some flights were unable to operate as planned. "We did all we could to minimise the impact of the weather disruption on our customers, providing options to rebook or refund

their flights as well as providing hotel accommodation and meals for those who required them. Article continues below "The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is

easyJet's highest priority and while this was outside of our control, we are sorry for the inconvenience caused." Scores of British holidaymakers were left trapped, unable to

return from their half-term break in Majorca due to easyJet and other carriers facing constraints linked to adverse weather across Europe, which fell "outside [of the airline's]

control". In a recent outburst, Ryanair's chief Michael O'Leary bemoaned the "shoddy ATC services", cautioning of potential record delays for flights in summer 2025.

Beth Rafferty, a 31 year old resident of Hastings, East Sussex, along with her family, is among the numerous Britons stuck without a flight back to Gatwick on Sunday (1). Beth was scheduled

to return home with her partner Lewis Chapman, aged 26, and their two children, ages eight and ten. She noted over 120 flights suffered delays, whilst it is believed that less than ten were

actually scrapped. Their imminent boarding for the 7pm easyJet service was thwarted when an email notification about the cancellation popped up, citing 'air traffic control (ATC)

restrictions'. It was later verified that these 'restrictions' arose due to poor weather conditions sweeping across Northern Europe. The communication relayed to Beth and her

kin simply stated: "We're sorry that your flight has been cancelled. "This is due to air traffic control restrictions (...). "The disruption to your flight is outside of

our control and is considered to be an extraordinary circumstance." Beth revealed their family was among hundreds stranded at the airport, forced to fork out for a last-minute hotel

stay. The family couldn't secure an alternative easyJet flight in time, leading them to shell out £1,500 for Jet2 tickets to ensure their kids wouldn't skip more school days. Beth,

who works as an insurance system administrator, shared: "We have managed to get a flight to Bournemouth - but not to our original destination. "Lots of people have ended up flying

to Belfast or Liverpool instead of London, we've been fortunate. "Apparently there was an air traffic control issue. "As far as I'm aware, all the flights cancelled have

been easyJet. "The only information provided is the air traffic control issue. "We've been sat watching loads of other flights from other airlines land and take off, so

we're not sure why." She described the scene at the airport, with hundreds, including many families, left waiting for updates. Beth learned that about six other easyJet flights

scheduled to return to the UK around the same 7pm slot as theirs were also axed. In addition to the new flight costs, the family spent an extra £300 on emergency accommodation, prioritising

their children's education. Beth added: "We've been told by someone at the airport front desk we won't be compensated for the new flights. "But we might get the

money back for the accommodation. "I rang the childrens' school to explain it and it doesn't look like we'll get a fine." The family flew home at lunchtime today (2)

so the children can be back at school tomorrow. Article continues below