Greece Travel Nightmare as Ryanair Passengers Trapped Overnight in Rhodes Airport Without Water or Help During Fierce Storm Disruptions

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Severe weather conditions sweeping across southeastern Greece have caused major travel disruptions, leaving Ryanair passengers stranded overnight at Rhodes Airport without assistance. As a fierce storm system moved in from the Tunisian coast, flights were delayed or grounded, but travellers reported a lack of communication and support from the airline. Unlike other carriers that provided accommodations and essentials, Ryanair passengers were left without water, guidance, or updates—turning their travel plans into a distressing ordeal.

Travellers in Greece have voiced growing frustration after being left stranded for hours at Rhodes International Airport without proper communication or assistance from Ryanair. The disruption came amid severe weather warnings across the region, with passengers claiming they were left with no information, no access to essential supplies, and no guidance on when they could resume their journeys.

Photos from inside the airport circulated on social media, showing dozens of exhausted passengers lying on the floor, using their bags as makeshift pillows. With no alternative accommodations provided, many passengers described the experience as chaotic and disheartening.

Several travellers noted the complete absence of information from Ryanair representatives. As flight delays stretched overnight, some passengers claimed they attempted to contact the airline multiple times, only to be met with automated responses or unanswered calls. The lack of communication exacerbated stress levels, especially for families with children and elderly passengers who had no choice but to remain in the airport terminal.

According to Greece’s national weather authority, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), a severe northeasterly weather front originating from the Tunisian coast moved into the eastern Mediterranean, significantly affecting Greek islands. The system brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, disrupting flights and ferry services across the Aegean Sea. The storm system was predicted to impact the region from late Thursday through early Saturday morning.

Rhodes, located in the southeastern part of Greece near the Turkish coast, was directly affected by the incoming storm. As one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations, especially for British and European tourists, the island sees high seasonal traffic. But while other airlines reportedly provided hotel stays or refreshments to compensate for the disruption, Ryanair passengers stated they were offered no such support.

One of the stranded travellers captured the scene inside the airport with a photo of people sleeping on the floor, some wrapped in beach towels, others simply resting beside their luggage. The image quickly gained traction online, with social media users questioning why Ryanair had failed to take basic steps to accommodate its customers.

Multiple passengers described the night as uncomfortable and chaotic, made worse by limited access to food and water. Some travellers claimed they had to purchase their own supplies or wait in long queues at the few airport vendors that remained open during the late hours.

Despite growing concerns, there was no visible presence of airline staff to manage the situation or provide updated flight schedules. For many, the most difficult part was the uncertainty and confusion created by the lack of clear communication. As time passed with no announcements, frustration turned into exhaustion.

Passengers compared their experience to those flying with other carriers, who reportedly received timely updates, transport to hotels, and water bottles during the delays. This stark contrast only heightened the disappointment among Ryanair customers who felt overlooked and unsupported.

The incident has sparked fresh criticism over Ryanair’s handling of delays and disruptions, with many calling for more stringent regulations requiring airlines to respond adequately during such events. EU legislation already mandates that passengers are entitled to assistance in the event of long delays or cancellations, including meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodations when necessary. However, passengers often face challenges in enforcing those rights in real time.

This latest episode is not the first time Ryanair has faced backlash over its customer service policies. The airline has previously been criticized for lack of transparency, poor responsiveness during crises, and inadequate support for stranded passengers. With travel demand increasing across Europe as summer nears, the current situation raises renewed questions about how budget airlines manage disruptions during periods of extreme weather or logistical breakdowns.

In the case of the Rhodes disruption, travellers expressed hope that Ryanair would address the concerns raised and improve communication protocols moving forward. For many, the ordeal served as a reminder of the vulnerabilities passengers face when weather meets weak contingency planning.

Rhodes International Airport, one of Greece’s busiest during peak tourist months, has dealt with weather-related delays in the past, but this recent situation has brought new attention to the importance of passenger welfare in crisis management. Travellers emphasized that while weather disruptions are understandable, the absence of information or assistance was not.

As of Saturday, several flights remained delayed, and many passengers were still awaiting word from Ryanair regarding rescheduling or compensation. Despite repeated inquiries, Ryanair has yet to issue a public statement addressing the incident or outlining steps it would take to support affected customers.

The impact of the storm system across the Aegean region has also affected ferry services, particularly between islands and mainland Greece. Authorities have urged caution and advised travellers to check transportation updates regularly.

A powerful storm disrupted travel across southeastern Greece, leaving Ryanair passengers stranded overnight at Rhodes Airport without assistance, water, or clear communication. The airline’s lack of response turned a weather delay into a travel nightmare.

For now, those who endured the night on the floor of Rhodes Airport are left to reflect on their experience and hope for a swifter, more transparent resolution in the future. Their message is clear: travellers deserve clear information, basic care, and respect, especially when circumstances are beyond their control.