'Numb and heartbroken' passengers find out why their holidays were ruined
Passengers swept up in the air traffic control chaos of Wednesday evening have now found out why their flights were disrupted.
Monica Clare, from Brentford, west London, is one of the unlucky group who had their holiday plans ruined last night. The 68-year-old was on an Aer Lingus aircraft ready to depart from Heathrow to Shannon, Ireland, when things went south. She recounted how the plane stayed on the runway for roughly three hours before the captain informed that his "shift was going to finish", necessitating the passengers' return to the terminal.
Ms Clare described the scene inside Heathrow as "bedlam", with "suitcases everywhere". The retired maintenance manager had to return home after being informed that Aer Lingus had no available seats on flights that would get her to her friend's wedding in Limerick on Friday. Her frustrating situation comes as holidaymakers with trips booked this week scramble to figure out what they should do.
Ms Clare found that alternative routes, such as travelling to a port and taking a ferry, were impractical and too costly after already shelling out for flights. She is currently seeking refunds for car hire and hotel reservations.
"I'm absolutely numb. I'm so upset. I'm heartbroken. It's disgraceful. I think it's absolutely unbelievable in this day and age that something that went down for 20 minutes has caused havoc like that all over the country," she said.
"I'm so upset, I'm so angry. I've spokem to my friend who's getting married. They're devastated. We can't now go to the wedding. I was so excited, and it's all gone."
Ms Clare is far from the only one who has been impacted. Asha, 18, from Manchester, said the chaos had ruined her first holiday Interrailing. She told the BBC her 3.10pm flight to Amsterdam had actually departed and was in the air for 50 minutes – before turning around. Hours later, she said she was still 'stuck' on the tarmac at the city's airport
John Carr, a chiropodist from Stourbridge, was one of thousands of stranded Brits left in limbo after his flight from Heathrow to Norway was cancelled at the last minute. He and a group of friends were on their way to his brother's wedding, for which he is best man, when he found out after checking in that his flight was cancelled.
The 35-year-old said: "I'm pretty gutted. We've got loads of stuff in the suitcases to set up the venue, because we're obviously flying to Norway. We've got the wedding rehearsal to do. It's quite stressful. It's rubbish. There's nothing we can do. We don't know what we're going to do tonight in terms of accommodation. We have put our cars in special car compounds for the next six days."
It has now come to light that a 'radar-related issue' was at fault for the mass disruption, which saw flights grounded across the UK on Wednesday.
NATS chief executive Martin Rolfe was summoned to speak with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on Thursday morning, a day after thousands of passengers were disrupted by the technical problem which forced the cancellation of more than 150 flights.
Airlines are demanding a deeper explanation for what happened. A spokesperson for NATS said, 'This was a radar-related issue, which was resolved by quickly switching to the backup system, during which time we reduced traffic to ensure safety. There is no evidence that this was cyber-related.'
It is understood that the back-up system continues to be used by controllers while investigations continue. Ms Alexander said: 'I have spoken with Nats CEO Martin Rolfe who provided further detail on yesterday's technical fault.
'This was an isolated event and there is no evidence of malign activity. I will continue to receive regular updates.'
The problem happened at NATS' control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire, and affected the vast majority of England and Wales. A Government source said the failure lasted around 20 minutes, and the level of disruption was similar to a day with bad weather.
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Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
I went on a Nile River cruise — here's what nobody tells you
Drifting 1,500ft above Luxor's lunar-like streets, I knew this hot air balloon ride was an experience that would be hard to beat. It was calming to look down on the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Rameses III without the hum of a plane's engine in my ears, the tranquility interrupted only by the roar of flames as our pilot Mahmoud adjusted our height. This was my final excursion before flying home after a week-long trip down the River Nile, a trip that felt decades in the making thanks to my lifelong obsession with ancient Egypt. The downside to this dream, however, was that I would be staying on a ship. Before this, the most sailing I had ever done was crossing the English Channel on a school trip to France. I feared relentless motion sickness, being forced to take part in cringeworthy entertainment, feeling alienated as the youngest person for miles, and worst of all, being stuck with terrible vegetarian options. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. But it only took a few hours on TUI's new five-star Al Horeya to realise my fears had been unfounded. Dare I say, I might even be a cruise convert. The Al Horeya, meaning freedom, is the latest offering from TUI River Cruises. Sailing for the first time in late 2024, it's designed for Brits who want to take the guesswork out of exploring the Nile and its historic sites. Flights and excursions are included. The first part of the Legends of the Nile itinerary that took me by surprise was that it didn't involve much sailing. In total, the ship sails for around 74 miles (120km), from the historic city of Luxor to ancient Aswan, with stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo before returning to Luxor again. We spent most nights docked, and although the two overnight voyages could be noisy, from the engine hum to the clacking sound of passing through the Esna Lock, I didn't lose much sleep after getting settled into my cabin. Gone were my fears of being shut up in a dark room with a porthole for a window. Instead, I stayed in a compact but comfortable third-deck cabin with a French balcony. While it was a case of luck whether the doors opened onto the river or the dock, more often than not, I was able to sit and watch the sun rise over the water while applying sunscreen for the day ahead. The ensuite bathroom, while a bit of a tight squeeze, had a shower with the option of a rainfall head — a great way to unwind after a day of exploring. As an ancient Egypt obsessive, I didn't want to spend my trip on sun loungers, but there are plenty of people who aren't as fanatical about Khonsu and Hathor as I am. Each Al Horeya sailing includes two excursions – the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and the Kom Ombo Temple – and they're both worth going to. The Temple of Horus is incredibly well preserved, offering a snapshot of how it would have looked thousands of years ago, while the Kom Ombo visit after nightfall had a fantastic atmosphere. Hardly anyone was there, which made for great pictures. If your priority is winter sun, it's easy to leave the excursions at that and spend the rest of your trip on the sun deck, basking in 20-25°C sun under cloudless blue skies and enjoying the all-inclusive drinks. But if you want to see more wonders of the ancient world, booking some additional excursions is well worth the money. Each excursion was fascinating and gave us a digestible snapshot of thousands of years of Egyptian history. Some excursions include visiting religious sites and it's recommended women cover their shoulders and midriffs. If you're a woman with visible tattoos you will receive stares and comments. There will be locals at temples offering to take pictures or teach you about an aspect of history. They will expect a tip. Entering and exiting attractions often involves running the gauntlet of pushy vendors trying to sell souvenirs. Eye contact is seen as provocative, so look straight ahead and politely shake your head or say no. You will often have to pay to use the toilets during excursions, and they're not always in best condition, so take tissues and hand sanitiser. It can be hard to get hold of Egyptian Pounds in the UK, but lots of places accept US Dollars or take card payments. On our first full day, we went to the Valley of the Kings and saw the mummy of Tutankhamen in his vacuum-sealed box. It was a real pinch yourself moment, realising this boy – as he was only 19 when he died – has laid in this tomb for more than 3,300 years. At Abydos Temple we saw the only known carving of Queen Cleopatra, one of Egypt's best-known historical figures. There was no trace of her reputation as a femme fatale; instead she shook a set of maracas for Hathor, the goddess of music, love, and beauty. And in Kom Ombo we saw dozens of mummified crocodiles, which had been incredibly well looked after in life as part of the priests' worship of Sobek, the crocodile god. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are a mix of traditional Egyptian and Mediterranean dishes alongside classic British fare. I loved ordering a made-to-order cheese omelette at breakfast, watching the chef cook it and taking notes on his technique. Combined with lightly-spiced Egyptian fava beans, herb-roasted potatoes and cheesy courgette toast, I always had plenty of energy for the day ahead. Lunches usually featured whole fish or grilled meats, flavourful rice and side dishes including vegetable tagine – rich tomato-based stews – or baba ganoush , an aubergine-based dip served with herby flatbreads. Felucca, the top-deck restaurant that seats 30 per night, served a five-course menu that gave us a true taste of Egypt, from richly spiced lentil soup to a baked pastry-based dessert not dissimilar from bread and butter pudding. Despite spending most of my downtime on the ship, it was easy to feel immersed in Egypt's culture and history during the cruise. Having two qualified Egyptologists on board at all times meant we could ask questions about all facets of life, from Cleopatra's reign to modern Egyptian politics. The British have been fascinated by Egypt for centuries, so much so that explorers brought relics and mummies back with them to live in our museums. Katy Berzins, head of TUI River Cruises, told me why she thinks our interest in Egyptology has stood the test of time. 'When it comes to Egyptology and ancient Egypt, human interest piques due to the curiosity of centuries of mystery, grandeur and cultural significance the country has preserved,' she said. 'We have curated a range of excursions that allows customers to experience the temples that hold centuries of stories, such as Abu Simbel Temples and Valley of the Kings with ease. 'For the more cultural experiences, we have immersive excursions that allows customers to discover new and exciting pieces of Egypt such as the Nubian Village Tour. 'With the richness of history and culture which is so different to the UK, the awe of Egypt alone has made it last the test of time of being a country which has so much to offer.' I left Egypt feeling awestruck and extremely lucky, but also like I could go back next week. With so much to see, do, and learn, there are so many possibilities to truly immerse yourself in Egypt's intriguing history. More Trending And if I am ever lucky enough to visit Egypt again, I'm certain I'll set sail on a Nile river cruise again. The Al Horeya launched and set sail on its maiden voyage in November 2024 – the first ship TUI has launched outside of Europe for its river cruise options. The ship accommodates 141 passengers and offers 72 cabins including singles, standard cabins and suites. The ship is adults-only. The top deck is home to a plunge pool and two hot tubs by day, and by night the al fresco dining space, Felucca, comes to life. There's also a bar on the top deck serving drinks around the clock. On the third deck is the Observatory, the lounge bar where evening entertainment is hosted. On-board entertainers perform live music, but the ship also has visits from traditional Nubian and whirling dervishes acts. Plus, there are two qualified Egyptologists on board throughout the sailing, to guide you through excursions and host talks. The lower deck is home to Lazeeza, the main restaurant and dining room open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch are buffets with some items, such as omelettes, made to order. During dinner, starters and desserts are self-serve but main courses are ordered via table service. Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Nile boat trip – from £94 Karnak and Luxor Temples and Sphinx Avenue – from £56 Experience Luxor by hot air balloon – from £89 Temple of Horus guided tour – free for all passengers Kom Ombo temple tour – free for all passengers Tour of the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple – from £74 Nubian village tour and boat trip in Aswan – from £29 Tour of the temples of Dendera and Abydos – from £115 Other excursions are available. Private tours can also be booked at a higher price. To book excursions for your river cruise, click here. Katie Boyden was a guest on a seven-night Legends of the Nile sailing on the TUI River Cruises new ship, Al Horeya. A seven-night cruise starts from £1,799 per person, including flights between London Gatwick or Manchester Airport into Luxor. Food and drink is all-inclusive except between midnight and 8am, when charges apply. TUI Al Horeya sails between November and April each year. This article was originally published on 23 February 2025 and has been updated. MORE: My week in the world's most welcoming city where immigrants are 'newcomers' MORE: Forget the Great Barrier — I had the swim of a lifetime at Australia's lesser known reef MORE: I took my family on a digital detox holiday and something extraordinary happened
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
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'I visited some naked Europeans to find out why they're so much happier than us'
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The Arctic Food Lab project will extend in 2026 with pop-ups across the city and region. 100% Oulu will involve 100 locals representing the entire population of the city, by age, ethnicity and other characteristics 'as if the whole city were on stage in miniature'. World photography exhibition all year on the climate change theme. Layers in the Peace Machine art installation on the theme of peace at Oulu City Hall is three floors high, and open all year. The World Air Guitar Championships in August 2025/26, which celebrates alternative music. The Oulu Music Video Festival also in August 2025/26. The midsummer Solstice Festival May-August 2026. The Lumo Art and Tech Festival is at the end of November 2026, when there are only five hours of daylight a day. Its 10 days of art and technology include arts based on light and sound. Book the holiday
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Small boat migrants given taxpayer-funded days out including dinghy trips & £1 Prem tickets as farcical perks exposed
Other perks given to migrants include half-price discounts on e-bikes — when Army veterans only get a fifth off TAKEN FOR A RIDE Small boat migrants given taxpayer-funded days out including dinghy trips & £1 Prem tickets as farcical perks exposed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HOST of generous perks are being offered to small-boat arrivals — including discounts on martial arts classes and dinghy days out plus £1 Aston Villa match tickets for kids. They are among dozens of farcical asylum deals uncovered in a Sun investigation. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Motorised dinghies can be hired at Rother Valley country park in South Yorkshire Credit: Alamy 4 A host of generous perks are being offered to small-boat arrivals Credit: PA Others include half-price on e-bikes — when Army veterans and pensioners only get a fifth off. Among those dishing out deals is Labour-run Rotherham Council — which gives asylum seekers access to the Rothercard, aimed at helping low-earning families with bills. Around 500 in asylum accommodation in the South Yorkshire town are believed to be eligible. At Rother Valley Country Park's three lakes they get a 30 per cent discount, slashing the cost of a 90-minute double-handed dinghy or sailing boat rental from £20.70 to £14.80. A single-handed dinghy is £12.70, a third down from £16.40. The park also offers discounted watersports including windsurfing. The authority, where one in six live in poverty, raised council tax by three per cent this year. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'It's shocking that yet another Labour Council has been offering illegal immigrants freebies – this time offering discounts for water sports and boat hires. 'You could not make it up. Hard-working Brits are subsidising perks for illegal immigrants crossing the Channel, while at the same time seeing local services cut. 'This has got to stop. The British people have had enough. Loophole in PM's swap plan means the more bogus an asylum seeker is, the less chance we have of kicking them out 'Families are struggling to make ends meet and being slapped by huge Labour tax rises, all to pay for handouts to illegal immigrants who have flouted our border laws and never paid a penny in tax.' Meanwhile Birmingham City Council offers £1 kids' tickets to Aston Villa with a paying adult. It subsidises swimming, martial arts plus courses on trampolining, golf, gymnastics and football. And in Calderdale, West Yorks, migrants are offered £15 off a massage and discounted tickets at Bradford's IMAX cinema. Those living in publicly-funded accommodation can also use the Passport to Leisure card to get weekend yoga sessions and £1 off theatre tickets. Also available is physiotherapy in Halifax, with the card scheme's page saying migrants get £15 off an initial assessment, then a 'further £5 saving for each treatment and one-hour massage'. 4 Chris Philp said: 'It's shocking that yet another Labour Council has been offering illegal immigrants freebies' Credit: PA Ex-Tory minister Sir Alec Shelbrooke said: 'I'm shocked and appalled at the blatant waste of hard-pushed taxpayers' money when councils are declaring poverty. 'This blatant waste will appal families who, quite frankly, cannot afford to take these perks even with a discount. 'While everyone else has their benefits cut, asylum seekers are being pampered with perks at taxpayers' expense.' Nationwide, we can reveal an e-scooter firm offers boat migrants a 50 per cent discount — while only giving Army veterans, NHS nurses and firefighters a fifth off. Voi scooters, which operates in cities including London and Bristol, gave migrants half-price access to passes under an 'equitable access' scheme. Users can apply online and if accepted pay as little as £7 a week. At least one asylum hotel resident this year has been charged with dangerously driving an e-scooter. Tory MP Sir John Hayes said: 'If they are going to offer a discount scheme, surely UK veterans and pensioners should come first? 'I know what my priority would be — people who served this country and worked hard for this country all their lives.' Swedish firm Voi has had over 21million rides on its 1,400 scooters since launching here in 2020. The company claims to have replaced nine million car journeys with eco-friendly electric options. Yet Voi does not offer the same 50 per cent deal to asylum seekers in France and Belgium, where thousands wait to cross to soft-touch Britain. 4 Perks include discounts on martial arts classes and dinghy days out plus £1 Aston Villa match tickets for kids Credit: Getty In the capital, Richmond council gives asylum seekers free swimming and cheaper Spanish or French lessons via a discount card. Nearby Kingston Council has 50 per cent off leisure activities. And Wandsworth Council, South London, has 50 per cent off e-bikes plus half-price weddings and civil partnership ceremonies at its town hall. Our probe comes a month after French President Emmanuel Macron slammed PM Sir Keir Starmer for the migrant crisis. He warned the UK must address 'pull factors' including freebies, luxury accommodation and easy access to black market work on Just Eat or Deliveroo. The Home Office operates around 210 migrant hotels at a cost of more than £3billion a year. The Government has pledged to close them all by 2029 — but has opened new hotels this year. Rotherham Borough Council said: 'The Rothercard scheme offers support to all residents on low incomes. We would not generally expect asylum seekers to be accessing sports facilities like Rother Valley Country Park. 'Rothercard also helps with the costs of services like pest control and waste disposal, which we would want to ensure were available to everyone who lives here.' Danielle Durrans, at Calderdale Council, said: 'The Passport to Leisure scheme offers discounted access to sport, cultural and leisure facilities.' She said some discounts were offered by private firms. Voi was invited to comment.
