TUI Flight Makes Unplanned Stop in Tunisia to Deliver Aircraft Part

In an unexpected turn of events, a TUI flight en route to London-Gatwick Airport (LGW) from southern Italy took an unconventional detour to Tunisia to deliver a crucial aircraft component. According to a report by The Independent, the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, identified as flight BY4651, departed from Lamezia Terme Airport (SUF) approximately two hours behind schedule, around 2:15pm local time. Its intended arrival in the United Kingdom (UK) was slated for three hours after takeoff.

However, shortly after takeoff, the TUI flight took an unexpected southern trajectory and eventually landed at Enfidha Hammamet Airport (NBE) in Tunisia. TUI confirmed that the flight was on a mission to transport a spare part for an older Boeing 737 aircraft, scheduled for a Manchester-bound flight.

According to details provided, the diverted flight remained grounded at the Tunisian airport for an hour while refueling operations were carried out. Following this, the aircraft embarked on a three-hour journey to its original destination, LGW in London. The combination of the initial delay in Italy, the impromptu stopover in Tunisia, and the additional hour spent at NBE caused TUI passengers to experience an unfortunate delay of over four hours upon reaching London.

A TUI spokesperson stated, “Flight BY4651 made a brief stop at Enfidha-Hammamet Airport to offload equipment essential for the operational needs of another aircraft at the airport. The equipment was intended for the TOM529 aircraft, which encountered a technical glitch prior to its scheduled departure, necessitating technical assistance.”

Acknowledging the inconvenience caused to passengers, the airline extended its apologies and revealed that all passengers aboard the flight were provided with complimentary beverages during the journey. Additionally, TUI confirmed that affected passengers would be eligible to claim compensation under EU261 regulations for flight delays.