EasyJet Passengers ‘Barred’ from Entering Spain ‘Because of Brexit’
Passengers onboard an easyJet flight experienced chaos and frustration as they were prevented from entering Spain after a flight diversion. The incident unfolded on easyJet flight EZY8793, which was originally bound for Gibraltar but had to divert to Malaga due to bad weather. Upon landing, passengers were informed that only those with “Spanish residency or visas” could disembark, attributing the restriction to Brexit. This left other passengers stranded onboard, eventually being flown back to the UK from Luton.
Jay Pedersen, one of the passengers, described the situation as shambolic, with promised buses failing to materialise. Despite the restrictions, some British passengers managed to disembark, prompting a polite rebellion. Another passenger, Douglas Atkins, highlighted the confusion among passengers and the crew’s efforts to manage the situation. Passengers who did manage to disembark had to arrange their own transport to Gibraltar, incurring significant costs.
An easyJet spokesperson addressed the incident, citing thunderstorms in Gibraltar as the reason for the diversion and subsequent restrictions. They apologised for the inconvenience caused and stated that necessary arrangements were made for affected passengers. This unexpected turn of events left travellers frustrated and inconvenienced, sparking concerns over the implications of Brexit on travel.
Despite the challenges faced during this ordeal, passengers showed resilience and resourcefulness in navigating the unexpected circumstances. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties that can arise in post-Brexit travel arrangements, prompting calls for clearer communication and support for travellers caught in similar situations in the future.