Μake us preferred on Google A technical problem on a low-cost flight from Chania, Crete, to Thessaloniki led to a five-hour delay, mounting frustration among passengers and police intervention at Chania’s Daskalogiannis Airport on Sunday night.
The Boeing 737, carrying 183 passengers, was scheduled to depart at 4:40 p.m. During taxiing, a technical problem emerged, prompting the pilot to return the aircraft to its parking position.
Technicians then inspected the plane to determine whether it was safe to continue the flight.
According to information from ERT Chania, the inspection lasted several hours. When the crew attempted to restart the engines about two hours later, another warning appeared on the aircraft’s instruments, resulting in a further delay.
The passengers remained inside the aircraft for approximately five hours, causing growing discomfort and anger.
Tensions rise after hours on board
According to reports, passengers who asked for water were told they would have to pay for it, further increasing tensions.
After about five hours, the flight was finally cleared for departure. However, as the aircraft began taxiing, several passengers reacted strongly and said they no longer wanted to travel.
Shouting and confusion followed. One woman fainted, while another suffered a panic attack.
Police were called to the airport, where officers attempted to calm the situation and manage the growing tensions.
Ultimately, 25 passengers decided not to continue the journey and left the aircraft.
Passenger taken to hospital
As passengers were boarding a bus after leaving the plane, one woman injured her leg and required assistance from Greece’s National Center for Emergency Care.
An ambulance took her to a hospital for first aid.
The passengers who left the flight subsequently departed the airport for the city of Chania, while the remaining passengers eventually continued their journey to Thessaloniki.
The aircraft finally departed Daskalogiannis Airport at 9:50 p.m., approximately five hours behind schedule, amid continued frustration and anger among passengers.
