After facing a series of weather-related challenges, TUI Airways flight BY2536 from Manchester (MAN) to Funchal, Madeira (FNC), operated by Boeing 737-800 registered G-TAWM, eventually arrived after an extensive 61-hour journey.
Inclement weather on Friday 12 January prevented the flight from landing in Madeira, leading to a diversion to Porto Santo (PXO), where passengers spent a night in a hotel.
Despite early morning attempts to depart on Saturday 13 January, persistent bad weather in Madeira kept passengers stranded at the airport for hours.
The situation worsened with heavy rain and poor visibility, prompting the flight to divert to Tenerife South (TFS).
A further attempt to fly to Funchal on the same day resulted in the flight returning to Tenerife, where passengers were accommodated in another hotel overnight.
The next day, 14 January, involved more airport delays, but the flight eventually reached Madeira at 21:16, two days and 9 hours past the originally scheduled arrival and 61 hours after departure from Manchester.
The extended journey likely impacted passengers’ plans, raising questions about TUI’s handling of the situation.
Was much better when it was Britannia Airways. TUI no idea.
Hell I’d want to just have a hotel in Port Santo and just have my holiday there.
Weather cannot be changed to accommodate aircraft. I was a captain years ago and yes it is frustrating for both passengers and flight crew but safety for all is paramount
Going from experience of flying with TUI I’d say they did pretty well. Considering bad weather. At least people got hotel for night. Better than being stranded in a foreign airport . Seems few other flights diverted due to same bad weather. Those passengers probably got stranded in airport until Ryanair could fly to Maderia. Can make claim on jnsurance for extra costs. Hope all enjoyed Maderia Funchal is nice resort.
I feel sorry for passengers on the incoming flight but spare a thought for the poor passengers waiting to come home, my partner and I were a few of them, your supposed to come off holiday calm and relaxed not stressed out. I was lost 2 days pay from this, I should of been back in work on Sunday. Can I say thank you to the pilots and crew who gave up their days off and fly from Birmingham to get us
Apparently Madeira airport is one of the most challenging to fly into due to the close proximity of mountainous terrain causing severe turbulence. Pilots flying there require extra training to cope with the conditions.
Having said that I love the excitement of landing there. Have been many times and have always landed safely without having to divert, as many have to.
I was onboard the incoming flight from Madeira and it’s not the worst flight I’ve been on