FURIOUS passengers have been stranded for hours in “utter chaos” after all departing Manchester Airport flights were cancelled.
Screaming kids and marooned flyers have been “kicking off” at airline staff after all flights out of Terminals 1 and 2 were chalked off.
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Travellers have shared their nightmare experiences of standing in queues for hours and trying to find luggage amongst a sea of suitcases.
Some furious passengers have reportedly been forced to jet off without their baggage on the plane.
Ian Ellison, 42, told The Sun there were up to 10,000 people in Terminal 2 and described the scene as a “minefield”.
Ellison, his wife and five-year-old child had sat in a plane on the tarmac at Terminal 1 for two hours after arriving from Paphos, Cyprus, at 2.50am.
He said that when his family of three got to baggage claim they found suitcases all throughout the hall with no indication of which carousel had received which flight.
It took his family about 25 minutes to find their bags.
He said: “It was just pure luck my family’s bags were close together, but on different belts.”
“Terminal 2 was absolute chaos… as you walk into it there was people everywhere.”
He said the longer the plane had stayed on the tarmac the more “agitated” passengers became with children screaming and shouting.
“The captain on the plane said he’s never experienced something like that.”
Ellison said that fortunately his boy had fallen asleep across his and his wife’s lap, but it did make him “anxious” that the plane had no food on board.
He said: “Apparently Border Force wouldn’t send any buses until they had cleared the backlog and moved the backlog from the terminal.”
After finally catching a bus to Terminal 2 at around 5am, Ellison was seen by a man at security, rather than passing through an e-gate.
As he walked through the terminal he found chaos on the other side.
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He said: “It was like a minefield.
“Bags were absolutely everywhere with nobody to tell us which belt was where… it was utter chaos.”
He said bag conveyorbelts and computers weren’t working leaving airline staff floundering trying to solve the issue.
“There were queues everywhere.
“When I walked past the Jet2 desk there were people kicking off… they were quoted five hour delays.
“It just seemed like there was no one from Manchester Airport Group there, it looked like the people from the airlines were trying to organise it… you could see the airlines were struggling.”
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Ellison said the disruption hadn’t ruined the holiday, but it had spoiled the a little.
“It’s just not how an airport in a developed country should be.”
Fern was stuck at the airport for six hours after her plane from Hurghada in Egypt landed on the tarmac at about 3am.
She told MailOnline she was a one hour and 45 minute wait in corridors with no communication on the way to baggage claim.
But then passengers were turned around and put on buses to the other terminal.
She said: “It was terribly slow movement on the passport control – several machines going down and again, zero staff- had there been a zombie apocalypse whilst we flew the skies?
“Relief washed over us when we entered the baggage claim area. This was to be short lived.
“I left baggage claim at 8:45am. A staggering six hours after landing with no communication from any airline staff and only Jet2 reps visible who, whilst very helpful, could only provide so much support to those travelling with other airlines like myself.
“Absolutely shocking scenes, the trauma is sure to last a lifetime!”
Other people shared their frustration on social media.
Bags were absolutely everywhere with nobody to tell us which belt was where… it was utter chaos
Ian Ellison
Posting on Twitter, passenger Aaron said: “We’ve been stood for over an hour and a half in the same spot.
“We’re still being told that ‘Normal services will resume ASAP’ – our flight leaves at 7.10am.”
Jo said: “Manchester airport – please check check check before you go today to T1 or T2, we arrived at 6am – airlines are struggling to check people in, were on a plane but told no bags, expected 48 hrs.
“Airlines trying their best but it’s chaos.”
Chris said: “Landed at 1am and still waiting on bags, it’s been disgraceful from all involved.”
Richard said: “Waiting for Manchester airport pickup ….. Already delayed a few hours and no information on arrival. It’s total carnage.”
Another passenger said: “An update on what’s being done to get this mess resolved ASAP would be more useful than apologising for any inconvenience.
“People have been stuck for hours now, everyone in T1 is being very patient but they’re increasingly angry and fed up.”
Jet2 said: “The power outage has affected all terminals and key operating systems at Manchester Airport, impacting all airlines.
“We regrettably have no choice but to cancel all remaining flights departing from Manchester Airport today.
“We have contacted all affected customers to let them know their options, and they will of course receive a full refund should they wish.
“We are extremely sorry to have to take this decision, however the disruption left us with no other choice.
“Customers due to travel should continue to monitor the latest travel information page on our website.
“We will continue to keep everyone updated, as we receive updates from Manchester Airport.
“Our teams are working incredibly hard to communicate with, and look after, our customers and they will continue to do so.”
Manchester Airport statement
A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “Manchester Airport was affected by a major power cut in the area earlier this morning.
“Power has been restored but the outage affected important systems, including the processing of boarding cards and baggage screening, which has caused significant delays, particularly in Terminals 1 and 2.
“All flights from Terminals 1 and 2 are being cancelled until further notice and passengers due to travel from those terminals are advised not to come to the airport and to stay in touch with their airlines.
“Flights due to fly from Terminal 3 should come to the airport as normal unless advised otherwise by their airline but could be affected by delays.
“Flights for those passengers already checked-in are departing but are subject to delays.
The disruption means some baggage may not be on those flights. We will work with airlines and handling partners to reunite affected passengers with their luggage as soon as possible.
“Some arriving flights are being diverted to other airports meaning people due to pick passengers up from the airport should check before setting out.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and aim to restore normal service as soon as possible.”
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