Surprised Edinburgh Passengers from Lanzarote Land in London

Lanzarote

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The travel operator has apologised to flyers and reportedly offered all passengers 400 euros compensation

Holidaymakers have claimed their travel company told them the remainder of the journey would be completed by road because of rules over flying hours. However, passengers have demanded to know what the problem was and not flagged up ahead of takeoff.

An estimated 200 travellers were on the flight which left Arrecife at 9pm on Thursday.

It landed at Gatwick airport around 1am and passengers waited another two-and-a-half hours for a bus to a nearby hotel.

There was then an angry response from the passengers when TUI revealed that they would be travelling the remainder of the journey by bus, rather than flying home.

Holidaymakers have claimed their travel company told them the remainder of the journey would be completed by road because of rules over flying hours

There was then an angry response from the passengers when TUI revealed that they would be travelling the remainder of the journey by bus, rather than flying home.

"Surely this would have been obvious before they actually left? Arrived in Gatwick shortly after 1am to be told we will be put up in a hotel and then bussed to Edinburgh at 12.30 today. The transfer to Edinburgh by bus will apparently take eight hours, then we have another three hours to travel. Will never fly TUI again."

Pilot hours guideline:There are strict rules about how much a pilot can legally fly - in seven consecutive days it must not exceed 60 duty hours, while 14 days it is 110 and 28 days it is 190 hours.

A spokesperson for TUI told the Daily Mail: "We’d like to sincerely apologise to customers on flight TOM1455 from Lanzarote to Edinburgh last night, which was diverted to London Gatwick due to operational issues.

All customers were provided with hotel accommodation and meals in London Gatwick. We have arranged transport to Edinburgh by coach today which will include refreshments. For customers who chose to book their own onward travel to Edinburgh, we are providing a contribution payment.

"The safety and well-being of customers and crew is always our highest priority. We know this is a frustrating experience for customers, and we would once again like to apologise and thank them for their patience and understanding."

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