Last of stranded travellers arrive at Knock

The last of the Flyglobespan passengers stranded for a week at JFK airport in New York touched down yesterday morning at Ireland…

The last of the Flyglobespan passengers stranded for a week at JFK airport in New York touched down yesterday morning at Ireland West Airport in Knock.

Family and friends of the delayed passengers were delighted to have them home safely at last.

There was relief as the last of the passengers came through the arrival doors at the airport. The flight was due to land at 7.20am, but arrived an hour and a half later.

One weary but smiling passenger, Sligo man David Mahon, said on his arrival: "It's a miracle to be here."

READ MORE

He hugged his sister who had travelled from Sligo to meet him yesterday. Geraldine had been at the airport last Friday to greet him. But she discovered the flight had been cancelled.

"I spent a very frustrating week trying to find out what was happening. I don't blame Knock airport but my brother could get no answers and no joy from Fyglobespan at JFK. Never again is what I say and I'd say to anyone else: be warned."

Mr Mahon, who is resident in New York, said while it was rough it was worse for people travelling over to Ireland for weddings and other family occasions.

"It was a nightmare in many ways. It was very difficult to get any answers from Flyglobespan, New York side. I was coming home for two weeks, now I just have a week but I'll make the most of it."

Operations manager at Ireland West Airport Knock Robert Grealish said it has been a bad week for passengers on the transatlantic routes.

"It's not good enough and we are insisting on a full explanation from the airlines and an assurance that the service will be of an acceptable standard.

"We are seeking an urgent meeting with the chairman of the airline and we have been informed that it has already begun a full investigation into what occurred at JFK over the past number of days," Mr Grealish said.