Several passengers aboard an EasyJet flight were shocked when the pilot announced that five individuals needed to leave the aircraft before takeoff. The incident occurred on a flight from Southend Airport to Malaga on April 11. The pilot informed passengers that the plane was overweight and threatened to offload luggage if the required number of passengers did not disembark.
Kelly Wayand, an independent travel agent onboard the flight, expressed disbelief at the situation, stating that she initially thought it was a joke. The pilot, coming out of the cockpit, informed passengers that six people needed to leave or all luggage would be left behind in Southend. Eventually, five passengers voluntarily disembarked within 10 minutes.
Another passenger, Carly Mowbray, mentioned that those who left received applause from the remaining passengers. She noted that there were already ten empty seats before the additional passengers departed. Flight records revealed that the Airbus A319 aircraft, which was scheduled for an 8.40 am departure, took off at 8.59 am. The aircraft’s maximum take-off weight is 75.50 tonnes.
In response to the incident, EasyJet stated that five passengers volunteered to take alternative flights due to the aircraft exceeding weight limits for weather conditions and the runway’s short length. The passengers were provided transport to London Gatwick for a later flight to Malaga at no cost. EasyJet assured that passenger and crew safety is their top priority.
According to UK261 regulations, passengers denied boarding on a medium-haul flight like the one from Southend to Malaga are entitled to compensation ranging from £175 to £350, based on the delay duration.
