Jet2 Flight Leaves Passengers Stranded at Manchester Airport
Dozens of passengers were left stranded at Manchester Airport when a Jet2 flight to Alicante departed without them on January 19, 2026. The chaotic situation unfolded as holidaymakers waited in a stairwell for boarding to begin, believing they were simply waiting for staff to facilitate their boarding.
Incident Overview
The flight, LS879, was scheduled to leave at 7 AM. Passengers had already checked in, presented their passports, and had their boarding passes scanned. However, they ended up waiting for nearly 40 minutes with no updates or communication from the airline.
Passengers Left Behind
- At least 35 passengers were affected.
- Many were confused, thinking they would be transported to the plane via a bus.
- Some expressed their frustration, with one passenger stating it was “gobsmacking” that such an incident occurred.
Matt, a passenger from Denton, described the experience as bewildering. He noted there was a lack of organization and communication from staff. After waiting for an extended period, a staff member informed them that the flight had departed without them.
Airline Response
Jet2 has publicly apologized and initiated an investigation into the incident. According to a spokesperson, they are working urgently with the airport to understand what went wrong. Passengers affected by the mix-up were issued £10 vouchers while alternative flight arrangements to Alicante were made.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises crucial questions about protocol for passenger counts when boarding flights. Matt voiced his astonishment that flight staff do not conduct a headcount before departures. “It’s bizarre,” he remarked, expressing disbelief at the system’s lapses.
In summary, the Jet2 flight incident at Manchester Airport underscores the need for improved procedures and communication during the boarding process. Passengers left stranded are an unfortunate result of a significant error, prompting calls for immediate review and reforms in airline operations.
