Fury as BA London to Athens flight takes 33 hours, four planes and there was even a FIRE
A BRITISH Airways flight from London to Athens descended into chaos as a furious passenger reveals the journey turned into a 33-hour ordeal involving FOUR BA planes, and one even caught fire.
British Airways left passengers frustrated and scared after their ordeal
67-year-old Geoff Lye has vowed to never fly with the airline again and said the incident made him “embarrassed to be British”.
Mr Lye said his “nightmare” journey began last Tuesday when his 1.15pm flight from Heathrow to Athens was cancelled.
A replacement plane arrived at 5pm, but this flight was cancelled as the crew had gone over their allocated working hours.
Tired passengers were then given vouchers for an overnight stay in a London hotel and told to return the next day for their flight.
Mr Lye didn't get to Athens until Thursday morning
I’m an atheist but even I was praying
But just moments after take off at 1.40pm on Wednesday, passengers heard a series of loud bangs and the starboard engine caught fire.
Mr Lye, who was travelling with his partner, told the Evening Standard: “I’m an atheist but even I was praying.
“Passengers behind me said they could see flames kicking out from the engine.”
British Airways launch 'Flying with Confidence' course
The pilot shut down the engines of the plane and returned to Heathrow where it was met by fire crews.
Mr Lye said the passengers felt lucky to be alive after the horror journey.
Eventually a fourth flight took off on Wednesday at 7.40pm without a hitch.
Mr Lye did not reach the ancient Greek city until very early on Thursday morning.
One of the flights even caught fire
He said: “I have been flying BA for nearly 40 years… I have been their most loyal passenger, but if I can avoid it now, I will.”
BA have apologised to passengers for the long delay.
A BA spokesman said: “We fully appreciate how frustrating this experience has been, and have apologised to our customers for the long delay to their flight.”