Knock-bound fliers still stuck at JFK

Passengers due to have arrived at Knock Airport on a flight from New York last Friday are still stuck at JFK.

Passengers due to have arrived at Knock Airport on a flight from New York last Friday are still stuck at JFK.

The flyglobespan Boeing 757 was struck by lightening at JFK and was unable to take off. Some 240 passengers were affected when the company were unable to source a replacement plane.

Knock Airport issued a statement this afternoon saying flyglobespan had yet to course another aircraft.

The airline is also trying to find a plane to provide a service for passengers intending to depart from Ireland West for New York next Sunday.

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"Attempts by the airline to achieve a replacement aircraft were hampered due to its available aircraft being grounded at Glasgow Airport following the terrorism incident that occurred there," the airport said.

The security incidents at Glasgow and Liverpool Airports caused major disruption to our services
Flyglobespan spokesperson

A 24-hour information hotline had been set up. Those wishing to make inquiries on 094 9368100. Some of the passengers flew back to Ireland today after making alternative arrangements.

Airport managing director, Liam Scollan said staff were "deeply concerned for the distress caused" to passengers.

He said flyglobespan was the first to open the new transatlantic services using Knock and was experiencing "teething problems".

Flyglobespan has been operating three flights a week from Liverpool via Knock to New York and two flights weekly from Glasgow via Knock to Boston.

The Scottish-based low-cost airline also operates out of Dublin, Shannon and Belfast airports.

Passengers have complained about being left without the support of the company at new York and those who found their way back to Ireland paid for their own flights.

Those awaiting a flight to New York from Knock due to have departed last night were given accomodation at Ireland West Airport's expense.

Flyglobespan issued a statement this afternoon saying its next service would be from Knock to JFK on Wednesday.

"The security incidents at Glasgow and Liverpool Airports caused major disruption to our services," the statement said.