CSN reports that British passengers were stranded after air traffic control ‘went home,’ rather than deal with a late-night diversion.

BRITISH tourists were left stranded at Bilbao Airport after Ryanair workers went home.

A sick passenger forced Ryanair to divert their flight RK3209, which was scheduled to fly from Malaga to Manchester on Saturday night to Bilbao.

The plane will usually land, hand the patient over to the medical staff and continue on its journey.

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The plane was left on the ground, and the passenger was taken to a hospital nearby by medics.

Bilbao’s air traffic controllers chose to leave instead of waiting 15 extra minutes for the diverted plane to take off, because their flight plan exceeded the operational hours.

Sarah Diggle was one of the passengers affected by this incident. She spoke to The Independent.

Pilots and cabin staff also had to adhere to strict rules. The flight could not take off until the crew had a good night’s sleep.

The Ryanair passengers arrived 14 hours late in Manchester after the plane left at 1pm Sunday. 

When the plane was diverted, the passengers were left with no accommodation and no taxis outside the airport.

Diggle took matters into her hands and walked the short distance to the airport hotel nearest for an overnight stay. 

She said that some passengers did not receive a message telling them the time of departure.

Fortunately, Diggle received one, and she said the cabin crew ‘were very empathetic,’ and she noted it wasn’t their fault.

Ryanair spokesperson said that passengers were informed of the divert and given options. Ryanair tried to provide accommodation, but the availability was limited. Passengers were told that they can arrange their own accommodation and claim receipted costs on Ryanair.com.

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