According to a passenger who contacted RTL, Luxair provided “no explanation” as to why the Sunday flights were cancelled. “We were offered a change to leave in two days’ time, but that doesn’t work with our booking”, he wrote.
RTL was able to confirm that at least one other Luxair flight had been cancelled the day before, one destined for Ibiza. According to a source on the flight in question, Luxair handed its passengers over to a “German” airline after experiencing long delays. “We were 30 minutes from Ibiza when we were told that we were turning back”, she stated over the telephone. Contacted again this morning, she still did not know when she would be able to leave.
That makes at least five Luxair flights cancelled in less than 48 hours, that although the Whitsun holidays have only just begun. Several other flights have been “delayed” in the meantime and further cancellations might be announced later today. If you have to leave, it is advisable to follow closely the information relayed on the Lux-Airport website.
“Known for its high prices but quality service, Luxair is unable to get organised. The result: cancelled holidays and a souring reputation”, sums up one of the affected passengers.
At around 1.20pm on Sunday, the airline apologised to passengers, explaining that it had been forced to cancel certain flights due to a mechanical problem with one of its aircraft: “A Luxair Boeing 737-800 had a technical problem and spare parts had to arrive from the United States, causing a significant delay.”
This technical fault came in addition to that of another aircraft, leased from German Airways, which is currently “unusable” according to Luxair. “All Luxair teams are doing their best to minimise the impact on passengers,” concluded the airline in a press release.
Thanks to testimony from a pilot, we already reported on Saturday that staff shortages leave Luxair flights at risk of cancellation this summer. It now appears that the anticipated problems at Findel airport have already begun.
