Ryanair and easyJet cancel dozens of flights leaving hundreds stranded

EASYJET and Ryanair have cancelled a raft of flights – leaving at least 300 passengers stranded.

By David Rivers & Rachel O'Donoghue /

Stansted airport flights suspended @KAREN_QUINN/PA

CHAOS: Flights at Luton and Stansted have been affected by the weather

Passengers were forced to bed down in Stansted Airport terminal overnight as they desperately try to rebook flights that were cancelled due to snow and ice.

It comes after more flights scheduled to depart yesterday morning were also scrapped, including routes to Oslo, Budapest and Cork.

One passenger tweeted last night: “Hundreds of people waiting for baggage from cancelled flights from Stansted Airport.

“What a shambles Ryanair I feel sorry for the elderly and those with kids.

“Incredibly stressful and expensive time to travel. Next available flights not for DAYS apparently.”

Luton Airport has also said passengers will experience cancellations and delays today in a knock-on effect from yesterday.

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    A spokesperson for London Stansted said: "Due to adverse weather conditions today Ryanair and Easyjet cancelled a number of flights.

    "There are up to 300 passengers in the terminal waiting to rebook flights.

    "Passengers unable to return home are being looked after by Stansted Airport with beds and blankets, and additional help for elderly passengers or those with young children.

    "Free food and drinks have been provided to delayed passengers throughout the day.

    "All passengers due to travel are advised to check the status of their flights with their airline before travelling to the airport."

    Stansted airport flight suspended TWITTER

    DELAYS: Flights at Stansted airport were suspended

    Budget airline Ryanair apologised for the cancellations and said all affected customers had been informed by email or text.

    In a statement, the airline said: "We sincerely apologise to all customers affected by these weather cancellations and disruptions, which are entirely beyond our control."

    But passengers have vented their fury at the hours of delays, saying there was a major lack of communication.

    Staff are said to have resorted to using pen and paper to communicate with passengers after a hand-written poster was put up, pleading: "Please be patient."

     

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      “All passengers due to travel are advised to check the status of their flights with their airline before travelling to the airport”

      London Stansted

      Joe Allen posted a video of the arrivals lounge packed with people at around 4am.

      He said: "(It is) a little busier than you might expect. Some flights have been delayed up to five hours, the one I am waiting for is currently over five hours delayed and is currently sitting on the tarmac with no staff able to offload it, even though it's been due to arrive for five hours which is obviously a little bit frustrating.

      "The tension is quite high, people are sleeping here. I guess they have been here for a while. Not very pleasant because of a few centimetres of snow."

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