Ryanair passengers stranded in Portugal after chaotic airport delays

On September 20, Ryanair passengers faced significant delays at Lisbon Airport, leading to a chaotic situation that resulted in many missing their flight to Dublin. The flight, originally scheduled for 10pm, was delayed to 10:45pm, causing confusion among travelers. Many passengers, including a mother of three, arrived at the airport early but were unaware of the need to go through passport control until late in the process. This lack of communication contributed to a massive queue at the checkpoint, as multiple flights were called simultaneously. Despite being assured by airport officials that they would not miss their flight, the passengers were ultimately unable to board. The gate closed at 9:52pm, leaving 62 individuals stranded. Ryanair later stated that the gate had remained open longer than scheduled, but the passengers had not presented themselves in time. This led to frustration and disappointment among those affected, as they were forced to rebook their flights at a cost of €100 each. The airline explained that incorrect flight time information had been displayed at the airport, which added to the confusion. Passengers were informed that they were on standby, but this was not communicated clearly, leaving them feeling trapped in a system that required additional payment for new seats. Ultimately, 31 of the stranded passengers opted to pay the missed departure fee to travel on later flights. This incident highlights the importance of clear communication between airlines and passengers, especially in high-pressure situations like airport delays. The experience left many travelers frustrated and questioning the efficiency of the airport's operations and Ryanair's handling of the situation.