Blue Bird Passengers Endure Over Hour Delay on Ground Without Adequate Air Conditioning

A Blue Bird flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Crete, scheduled for 14:00 on August 26, was delayed, leaving passengers stuck inside the plane on the tarmac for about an hour and a half. Despite the intense August heat, the aircraft's air conditioning operated minimally, causing discomfort and distress among travelers, including children who reportedly fainted. Passengers expressed frustration by banging on the cockpit door and contacting the police to demand relief. Eventually, a flight attendant opened one of the plane's doors to allow fresh air inside.

Blue Bird Airways acknowledged the situation, attributing the delays to unusually heavy air traffic in Greek airspace and airports during the summer season. The airline noted that on the day of the incident, it operated 84 flights, its highest daily volume to date. They explained that sometimes, even when passengers are boarded and ready, takeoff clearance can be delayed, requiring them to wait on the plane. Blue Bird apologized for the discomfort and emphasized that their teams work around the clock to minimize delays and their impact on flight schedules.

Passengers described the conditions as a nightmare, with one stating that children were screaming and many passengers were visibly suffering from the heat inside the cabin. The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by airlines during peak travel periods and the strain on airport infrastructure in Greece.