Police called after Cardiff Airport - Lapland flight cancelled
04.12.06
Police were called to calm angry passengers at Cardiff Airport after a day trip to Lapland was cancelled because of technical problems with an aircraft. A small number of passengers became 'extremely aggressive' with staff yesterday after a braking problem forced First Choice to cancel the trip.
A spokesman for Cardiff Airport said the aircraft was one of three flights leaving for Rovaniemi airport, in northern Finland. The captain identified a braking problem which was at first thought not to be important.
Engineers were called but the passengers were allowed to advance through to the boarding gate. However, the engineers then found that the fault was more serious than first thought and the flight had to be cancelled.
The captain and flight crew came down in person to explain what the problem was. At this point a small number of passengers - three or four - became extremely aggressive with airport staff and airline personnel. Police were called and one woman was cautioned.
Adults had paid £385 each and a further £329 per child to jet off into the snow of Lapland. Operator First Choice said the 179 passengers would be offered a full refund or an alternative trip next next Saturday at 07:00.
To book cardiff airport hotel or cardiff airport car parking at the lowest price, click on these links to two great cardiff airport parking and cardiff airport hotel price comparison pages.
