Passengers were reportedly crying and screaming during the descent to MAN airport.
TUI has offered free counseling to passengers who were aboard TUI’s flight last week, according to a report by Metro.co.uk. The flight was en route from Tenerife to Manchester, but due to harsh weather conditions in Manchester, it was forced to divert to East Midlands Airport (EMA).
The turbulent flight reportedly caused panic among passengers, with some crying and screaming. TUI’s offer of free counseling is aimed at helping those who may have suffered trauma during the flight.
Flight TOM2477
The airline’s Boeing 737-800 was operating flight TOM2477 from Tenerife Airport (TFS) to Manchester Airport (MAN) when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence during its descent to its final destination on March 9.
According to a report by Metro.co.uk, passenger Gareth Salter, who was onboard the flight, recalled other passengers screaming and crying while he was saying “prayers” and “didn’t think he would see his family again.”
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As a result of the severe turbulence caused by storm Larisa, which hit the northern part of the United Kingdom last week, the pilots were ultimately forced to divert the flight to East Midlands Airport (EMA), approximately 100 kilometers away from MAN airport.
According to FlightAware data, the Boeing 737-800 landed safely at EMA airport shortly before 8:30 PM local UK time. Originally, the aircraft was due to land at MAN airport at approximately 7:30 PM.
Photo: Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock
In a statement, TUI spokesperson said:
“We can confirm that TOM2477 from Tenerife to Manchester Airport on March 9th was diverted to East Midlands Airport, due to adverse weather conditions during the approach to Manchester. Customers arrived safely at East Midlands Airport and were made aware of the diversion on arrival.”
TUI also said that transfers from EMA airport were arranged to take passengers back to Manchester. It added:
“Customers received regular updates throughout the evening. We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank customers for their patience and understanding.”
Sources: Metro.co.uk, FlightAware
Source: simpleflying.com
