A terrified passenger described the ordeal to Manchester Evening: “We were going into the air and i thought ‘this is it”.
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Following the incident on Monday night, passengers criticised Etihad Airways for insufficient interaction.
The flight from Manchester Airport to Abu Dhabi was compelled to return back, after a ‘loud bang’ at rear of the plane terrified passengers, and cabin being engulfed with smoke.
Due to technical fault, Etihad Airways Flight EY22, returned to Manchester Airport shortly after take-off.
Passengers stated the “loud bang” was heard just before take-off, from the back of the plane.
The plane was in air for approximately 30 minutes, engulfing in smoke before the pilot returned back to Manchester Airport.
The ‘cabin pressurization system’ had a technical fault, according to Etihad Airways spokesperson.
On Tuesday morning passengers were placed on a rescheduled flight, after staying the night in a hotel.
Few passengers criticised Etihad bosses for the “shortness of communication” after the incident.
A passenger travelling to meet his friends in Thailand, Gary McVey, 47, stated: “The plane was on the runway and then there was an explosion”.
He continued: “We were stuck in air for 25 to 30 minutes. It was quite a heavy landing. We were kept on the runway for about an hour”.
Gary who is from Cheshire, stated further: “People were screaming for the plane to stop. Then when we were going into the air, I thought ‘well here we go, this is it’.
He continued: “There is a woman with a five month old baby, she has not been offered any assistance formula or water”. (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
Another passenger, Priyanka Mohanan, 33, from Macclesfield, stated: “As soon as the flight took off, there was a bang sound. Passengers started shouting ‘stop the flight’. I looked back and there was alot of smoke.
“By that time, we had already taken off into the air. There were no casualties or anything, but there was alot of smoke.
“As soon as we landed the firebrigade was there.
“I am visiting family in Mumbai, I was supposed to attend a wedding and have missed one day already”. (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
Etihad Airways’s spokesperson stated: “Etihad Airways confirms that flight EY22, Manchester to Abu Dhabi on 14 January returned to Manchester Airport shortly after take-off, due to a technical issue associated with the cabin pressurization system.
“The aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked and were offered hotel accommodation including meals. Guests were updated throughout the disruption and were re-booked onto alternative flights on January 15.
“We regret any inconvenience caused. The safety of our guests and crew is always our number one priority”. (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
SOURCE:
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