TUI scrambles emergency flight to rescue customers in Menorca
TUI had to put on an emergency flight to evacuate clients from Menorca which was hit by a freak tornado that left much of the island without power or water.
Some customers were moved to hotels that weren’t affected, but the operator had to scramble a Boeing 787 to repatriate others who couldn’t be relocated, ending their holidays two days early.
TUI said these customers would be refunded for the unused portion of their holidays.
A spokeswoman said: "As safety is our primary concern we took the decision to bring some customers home early and while we’re sorry for the short notice of this, we hope they understand it was the best course of action given the circumstances."
Customers were flown back to Manchester and onward transportation was arranged.
TUI’s spokeswoman was unable to give a figure for the number of customers who were evacuated, but in total almost 2,000 tourists were affected by the tornado.
Hotels in the Mercadel and Ciutadella areas were worst affected and holidaymakers were moved instead to hotels with their own generators in Mahon, Es Castell and Sant Lluis.
Reports claim that as much as three-quarters of the Spanish island has been left without power for three days after pylons were brought down by gale-force winds.
Many hotels did not have their own power supplies so had to move guests to other parts of the island.
The Menorca hotel association Ashome issued an update for locals and tourists today, asking guests not to use too much energy.
A spokesperson for Ashome said: "We appreciate the collaboration of all the accommodations that have hosted affected customers, unlocking even rooms already in the process of closing.
"Also, to all those who have opened their facilities to serve residents affected by the blackout."
Water supplies have also been hit but are due to be reconnected on Thursday.
Ashome president Luis Casals said: "We would be talking about a maximum of 2,000 tourists. It was already the last days, the hotels were already working on blocking rooms by October 31 and they had more or less each hotel a capacity of 30 per cent or 40 per cent as much."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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