An Outrage: Passengers Stranded in a Hot Plane – Plane Allegedly Flew Empty to Germany

Chaos at Palma Airport: Passengers sweating, disembarking – flight allegedly started with no passengers

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What had been planned as a normal homecoming ended for around 180 people at Palma Airport in a patient and eventually very irritated wait. On Sunday, September 21, passengers were already on the plane when the mood changed: too warm, little information, and in the end the instruction to disembark again.

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"Like in a sauna"

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An older German couple I spoke with briefly at the terminal described the situation as follows: After boarding the temperature rose, the air conditioning did not work properly and the cabin crew handed out water bottles. "After 20, 30 minutes everyone was sweating," the woman said. Children sank tired into their seats, seniors rubbed their foreheads. At some point it was announced that either the plane should take off in five minutes or passengers would have to leave the aircraft.

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The majority chose to stay. Shortly afterwards everyone was asked to disembark again – with carry-on luggage. Buses took the group back to the gate, the checked baggage was unloaded. Then began a grueling wait of several more hours at the departure gates, with no clear information about the reason.

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Questions without answers

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In the end the irritation was great: some travelers report that the same aircraft later flew toward Germany without passengers. I cannot independently verify this; however, several affected people insist on this observation. The airline initially did not respond to inquiries. Such situations are more than an uncomfortable delay for those affected – it is about time, costs, and trust.

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The majority were then rebooked onto a replacement flight and accommodated in airport hotels. For older travelers and families with small children the annoyance remains: lost hours, discomfort from lack of rest, and missing explanations. A man at the gate dryly remarked: "That’s a lot for a relaxed return flight."

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What passengers want to know now

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Clear answers are important for all those affected: Why was the original departure aborted? Who covers potential extra costs for taxis or hotels? And – practically – what about passenger rights if an airline asks passengers to leave the aircraft at short notice and the aircraft later flies to Germany without them?

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Those working at the airport know days like this: technology, staff, weather – many things can go wrong. Still, travelers expect a comprehensible explanation and quick help. The hope of many for a swift statement from the airline initially remained unfulfilled. Several affected individuals have announced that they will document their experiences and consider legal action.

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Conclusion: What unfolded at Palma Airport feels like an outrage to the stranded: long heat, unclear information, and finally the question of why a flight apparently flew on without the waiting people. Answers are still pending.