In a shocking turn of events, EasyJet finds itself embroiled in controversy as allegations emerge that the airline forcibly removed a heavily pregnant woman and her family from a flight to Ibiza following a dispute. The incident, which occurred on August 19th, has sparked outrage and debate, leaving the airline giant on the defensive.
Siobhan Foster, the central figure in this unfolding drama, alleges that she and her family were unceremoniously ejected from the EasyJet flight originating from Belfast and bound for Ibiza. According to Foster, the incident unfolded after she inquired about the availability of overhead lockers. She claims that a "grumpy" air hostess seemingly singled her out, accusing her of being "abusive."
Taking to Facebook to share her side of the story, Foster asserts that fellow passengers, including a wedding party she was traveling with, expressed support for her in the confrontation with the air hostess. To her astonishment, the airline's response was to remove not only her family but also the supportive passengers from the flight.
The situation reportedly escalated to the point where airport police were called to escort Foster and her family off the plane, leaving approximately 180 other passengers stranded at Belfast International Airport. It is said that they had to endure an overnight wait before finally boarding a flight the following morning.
EasyJet has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that their staff took action due to a "group of passengers behaving disruptively at check-in and then onboard." The airline asserted that it does not "tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour towards our crew or other passengers."
A video taken by a member of the wedding party captures the dramatic incident, with passengers voicing their concern and frustration. The pilot is seen in the doorway, seemingly overseeing the situation, while someone encourages Foster and her family to disembark. In the video, Foster, holding her one-year-old daughter, exits the plane as the camerawoman questions the rationale behind the removal.
An air hostess, who is shown turning away from the camera, repeats "Bye, bye" to the departing passengers. The camerawoman then pans the camera to capture other passengers leaving the plane, emphasizing that the incident is destined to go viral.
After being forced off the EasyJet flight, the camerawoman can be seen consoling a tearful Foster, reassuring her that the situation was not her fault and expressing dissatisfaction with EasyJet's actions.
Ms. Foster vented her frustration on Facebook, stating, "I will never fly with EasyJet again. I understand why people call them 'sleazy' jet."