A TUI Airways flight from Manchester to Madeira, Portugal, turned into a 61-hour ordeal due to challenging weather conditions. The flight, which typically takes four hours, encountered several diversions and delays before finally reaching its destination.
The flight, operated by Boeing 737-800 registered G-TAWM, was initially diverted to Porto Santo due to tough weather on January 12. Passengers had to spend a night at accommodation establishments on the island before attempts to depart to Madeira were further disrupted by bad weather. The flight was diverted again to Tenerife South, where passengers had to spend another night at a hotel.
After several attempts, the flight eventually arrived in Madeira on January 14, more than two days after the originally scheduled arrival time. The extended journey undoubtedly affected passengers’ plans, prompting questions about TUI’s handling of the situation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of travel insurance. It’s highly recommended for travelers to Portugal and Europe to purchase travel insurance to protect themselves from unexpected expenses that can occur from missed or delayed flights.
Meanwhile, Portugal continues to grapple with adverse weather conditions, with the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority reporting numerous incidents attributed to the weather. The Setúbal Peninsula and Porto Metropolitan Area have been particularly affected, with falling trees, flooding, and structural damage being the most frequent issues.
Despite the challenges, no casualties or serious damages have been reported, and roads remain open. However, three districts in Portugal are under an orange weather warning due to maritime unrest, and various regions are under warnings for precipitation and wind disturbances.
Overall, the travel experience to Portugal and Madeira has been impacted by the adverse weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and informed when traveling to these destinations.
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