At 11:58 JM reporters stated that as a result of cancelled and diverted flights, the airport was crowded with passengers desperate to get home in time for Christmas.
Reporters stated that ‘hundreds of passengers were waiting for their flights, access into departures had been cordoned off with red tape, and the upstairs area was now full to capacity with waiting passengers.’ Monitors advised passengers when they could enter the departure area, but no guarantee was made that their flight would depart.
However, many airlines took advantage of any window of opportunity and landed when they could.
Unlike the previous occasion, all those waiting seemed calm and reasonable.
ANAM has also posted a notice on its website saying that Menzies and handling agents Portway will be on strike from the 22nd of December until the 1st of January. The airport administration states that constraints will be in place and that it is advisable for all passengers to confirm the status of their flight before arriving at the airport.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
The passengers heard by the newspaper remain calm, waiting.
