Northern Ireland holidaymakers trying to get home from Ibiza are grounded for 29 hours due to aircraft issues

One Northern Ireland man stuck in the Balearics told the News Letter earlier today: “We were supposed to fly out yesterday at 9am. There was delay after delay until eventually they cancelled the flight at 5pm.

“We were bussed us out to a hotel that was a bit grim then picked up again this morning at 6am.”

At lunch time today he said: “We’re still stuck in the airport, unsure what's happening. Just watching the board to get updates.”

The flight eventually took off in the early afternoon around 29 hours after it was supposed to.

A TUI spokesperson apologised to affected customers and explained: “The aircraft developed a technical issue that required a new part to be transported from overseas. This also meant the flight crew were over the legal working hour limit.“Customers were communicated with throughout the delay, and we provided them with accommodation until their new expected flight time of 9am the following day.

"Unfortunately, the new part for the aircraft was delayed in customs which caused the unexpected further delay. The aircraft has now departed and customers are on their way home.”

They said all customers are entitled to claim EU261 flight delay compensation.