2024-07-28 20:55:15
BOLZANO. This time the cloud of ash from Etna, which on Tuesday caused the suspension of all flights arriving and departing from Catania airport, had nothing to do with it. Once the inconvenience was resolved – dozens of planes were diverted to Palermo, Trapani, Comiso and even Malta – another one emerged. Equally annoying. Which involved over fifteen passengers from Alto Adige: they were supposed to return home on Thursday morning, at the end of their holidays, with a charter targato “SkyAlps”An odyssey that lasted until late Friday evening.
«The departure for Bolzano was set for 11 am», he says Alexander Romagnaa neurosurgery doctor at the “Martinsbrunn” clinic in Merano, «We actually got on the plane, transported by a bus, but then they made us get off, without us understanding why. The same scenario happened yesterday: everything seemed ready and then we were taken back».
Romagna, who was supposed to return to work yesterday (“I cancelled all my patient appointments”), acted as a spokesperson, denouncing the episode. Also and above all for those who, more than others, felt the huge delay: “Among us there are some elderly people in wheelchairs and small children,” he continues, “The airline didn’t worry about anything for hours. It was an unbearable situation, and the frustration is great.”
The technical failure
The wait, with unbearable heat, became even more unnerving as the hours passed. The airline, while aware, emphasizes that it did everything possible to limit the inconvenience.
“The safety and well-being of our passengers is an absolute priority for SkyAlps,” explains the property in a note sent to the editorial staff, “For this reason we believe it is our responsibility to act immediately in such situations and take all necessary measures.” Hence the explanation for the delay, which initially seemed to be dictated by internal problems at Catania airport after days made up only and exclusively of transfers and cancellations.
«Despite our high standards of maintenance and safety, sometimes unforeseen technical issues can occur that affect our operations», specifies SkyAlps, «In the case of Catania, the flight was postponed by one day due to a technical fault. Passengers were offered an overnight stay in a hotel, including transfer between the airport and the facility. Despite the timely dispatch of spare parts and the efforts of the technical team yesterday morning, it was unfortunately not possible to repair the fault on site.
SkyAlps was therefore unable to complete the flight, permanently deleted. “While we are aware of the inconvenience caused to passengers, we believe it is of primary importance to guarantee their safety. We deeply regret the situation that has arisen and are committed to providing our passengers with the compensation they deserve. In addition, all customers have been offered an alternative return flight with an Italian partner carrier – Aeroitalia – to Bergamo and subsequent transfer to Bolzano”. Some have agreed – including Dr. Romagna – others have adopted autonomous solutions. It has certainly been an odyssey they will not forget.
2024-07-28 20:55:15