Madeline Cooper, 22, is among 70 passengers on a Ryanair flight from Bristol to Gran Canaria who were left without their bags due to a “security issue”
70 passengers on a Ryanair flight from Bristol to Gran Canaria were left without their bags.(Image: Madeline Cooper)
Tourists have found themselves frantically hunting for basic necessities under the Spanish sun after a Ryanair service from Bristol to Gran Canaria allegedly touched down with absolutely no checked baggage whatsoever.
Travellers aboard flight FR4757, which took off on Friday, July 18, were left bewildered when the pilot announced upon landing that not a single suitcase had been loaded onto the aircraft due to “time constraints” stemming from a security incident at Bristol Airport, leaving them on the island without their belongings.
Amongst those impacted was an 11-strong party of mates from Taunton, who had jetted off to Maspalomas to mark a birthday and graduation milestone. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
Madeline Cooper, 22, revealed that everything appeared normal until they reached their destination. She said: “We had absolutely no issues at all until we landed. Then the captain said they made the difficult decision to not bring any of our luggage.
“They wouldn’t say what the security issue was – just that every single person’s bag had been left behind,” reports Bristol Live
The party quickly discovered they weren’t the only ones affected. “We were told today that it was 70 bags that didn’t fly. One pram made it across, that’s it,” Madeline continued.
“People didn’t even believe it at first – some thought it was a joke.”
Crucial belongings abandoned included medicines, contact lenses, cosmetics and sun protection. Sophie Payne, a member of the group, battles severe asthma and was stranded without her vital inhaler.
Sophie revealed: “It was really stressful. I take it twice a day and it gets worse at night. We’ve had to search for a pharmacy in an area we don’t know.”
The group, currently residing at the Cordial Green Golf Bungalows, were initially informed that their luggage might be delivered by Saturday evening.
However, during the interview, they had not received any further communication from Ryanair. Madeline expressed her frustration, stating: “There’s been zero communication,” and highlighted the airline’s advice to use its app, which is impractical for some older passengers without smartphones.
Their situation has already thrown a spanner in the works of their holiday plans. Madeline explained the inconvenience and additional costs they’ve incurred: “We’ve had to pay €60 just to get to a shopping centre and back for clean underwear and essentials,” and emphasised the financial strain on them as students who can’t afford to keep replacing their belongings.
With the heat intensifying and no sunscreen available, Sophie captured the group’s sentiment: “There’s a lot of burnt bodies around here.”
Meanwhile, other disgruntled travellers have taken to social media to share their own grievances. One affected individual posted about the lack of suitcases on their flight from Bristol to Gran Canaria, leaving them without crucial medication: “Great start to the holiday as Ryanair decided to bring 0 of the suitcases from Bristol to Gran Canaria. No heart medication for me tomorrow.”
Another lamented: “Currently in Gran Canaria with zero belongings.”
Despite these setbacks, the group is trying to remain optimistic that their luggage will turn up in time for the various activities they have lined up, such as a birthday celebration, a trip to a water park, and a private boat tour.
Sophie voiced their concerns about the potential impact on their holiday: “This is provided that we are able to get our luggage,” she said. “If we don’t our stuff then it’s completely ruined the holiday.”
For some, there’s the prospect of an hour-long journey back to the airport to collect their suitcases if they do eventually arrive.
Ryanair and Bristol Airport have been approached for comment.