A RYANAIR passenger said he was left stranded by the airline – after landing in the wrong country.
Xavier de Vally, 37, flew with his friend James from Manchester Airport to Gothenburg in Sweden on 8 August for a gig.
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But he said his flight never reached its destination, as it failed to land and diverted to Copenhagen instead.
The friends were told they’d have to make their own way to Sweden, with a promise from the budget airline they would receive a refund for all reasonable expenses.
But Xavier and James, who ended up taking a train to the Swedish city, said they’re still out of pocket months on after their nightmare trip.
Xavier told Manchester Evening News: “We actually were at the point of landing, literally coming down onto the runway, but we weren’t allowed to land.
“I don’t know why that was, there was no bad weather or anything like that.”
However, the change in landing was due to a curfew at Gothenburg Airport – so the flight was diverted to Copenhagen, almost 200 miles away.
Xavier, who was in a leg brace after recent ankle surgery, claims he was left without the assistance he had booked to exit the plane when landing in Gothenburg.
As well as being told they’d have to make their own way to their final destination, Xavier said they received a text telling them to go to the wrong city – Venice rather than Gothenburg.
When the pair arrived through passport control in Copenhagen it was “way after midnight”, and they struggled to find a hotel for the night.
They walked to three different hotels, despite Xavier’s injury, before they found somewhere to stay.
The next morning they were able to catch a train to Gothenburg.
Xavier said they did have a nice time on their trip in the end, but when they put through their claim to Ryanair for expenses, it came to just shy of £400.
Almost two months on, the pair are yet to receive a refund, despite Xavier attempting to go on nine webchats with the airline to find out its whereabouts.
A Ryanair spokesperson told Sun Travel: “This flight from Manchester to Gothenburg (8 August) was delayed ahead of take-off due to ATC ‘staff shortages’ which was outside Ryanair’s control.
“The flight was diverted to Copenhagen Airport, due to maintenance on the runway at Gothenburg Airport.
“Despite Ryanair’s efforts to arrange accommodation for passengers, availability was limited, and passengers were advised that they could also arrange individual accommodation and that they could claim back expenses on Ryanair.com.”
However, they said that his refunds would be processed.
They continued: “This passenger submitted an EU261 expenses claim on 13 Aug and is awaiting approval.
“While we endeavour to pay valid expense claims as soon as possible, some payments are currently taking longer than usual due minor processing delays.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as result of these ATC ‘staff shortages’ and maintenance at Gothenburg Airport which are entirely beyond Ryanair’s control.”
It’s not the first time a Ryanair passenger has ended up in the wrong country.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Earlier this year, a couple heading to Denmark ended up nearly 800 miles away in France after boarding the wrong plane.
And another couple said they had no seats on the plane – after boarding the wrong plane, but to the same destination.
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