WILLEMSTAD - TUI passengers had to spend hours on Tuesday night at Hato without drinking. One of the travelers says via social media that it was 'a drama'.
Flight OR365 from Curaçao, via Bonaire, to Amsterdam was scheduled for 8:00 PM, but was unable to fly due to engine problems and overheating. The passengers were already on the plane when the engine wouldn't start. Hours later, they were asked to leave the plane in order to allow the aircraft to cool better. In the meantime, all catering facilities in the hall were closed and the crew members indicated that there was not enough crew to provide the passengers with drinks.
It was later revealed that the flight would not depart at all. Passengers who had booked a package holiday through TUI were accommodated in hotels, but there also appeared to be problems there. Eighteen passengers arrived at Hotel Holland, while only eight rooms were available.
The travelers without a package holiday had to arrange their own transport and accommodation. TUI also made no announcement about the new departure time.
In a response to the Dutch news site Nu.cw, Tui says that where possible, travelers have been rebooked on another flight and have been accommodated in rooms as much as possible. "A difficult task given the hotel occupancies for the coming carnival week," said a spokesperson.
A part to solve the technical problem is on its way to Curacao. "Our technical service is ready to replace the part. We trust that passengers can travel to their final destination as quickly as possible," said TUI.
The airline does not comment on the absence of drinks while waiting and travelers who had to provide accommodation themselves.