Passengers traumatised by a horror landing have been offered free counselling by TUI.
The airline's flight from Tenerife was due to land in Manchester at around 8pm last Thursday (9 March), but the pilot was forced to abort the landing due to the extreme weather conditions - brought about by Storm Larissa - and diverted to East Midlands airport.
One passenger on board the flight described terrifying scenes, admitting he thought he wouldn't make it out alive.
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According to the Manchester Evening News, Gareth Salter said: "People were panicking, babies were screaming, women were crying.
"There were some young girls behind us in floods of tears.
"I was saying my prayers, to be honest. I didn't think I'd see my family again.
"We knew from the news the weather was going to be bad, but as soon as we were started coming into land it just didn't feel right.
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"There were crosswinds and we were buffeted about in the turbulence."
He continued: "I knew it wasn't Manchester as soon as we landed. Then they came on the speaker and said we were at East Midlands and that it was a trainee pilot and asked us to give him a clap for landing us safely. People were clapping because they were still in shock.
"It was just awful."
Gareth said the passengers were then abandoned by the airline and forced to find their own way home; however, TUI said it arranged transfers to Manchester Airport and offered accommodation to passengers.
The company is also offering free counselling to those who need it.
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A TUI spokesperson told The Mirror: "Unfortunately, one of our aircraft was diverted to East Midlands Airport due to severe wind-speeds on the approach to Manchester.
"The safety of our customers and crew is always our number one priority and we would like to reassure passengers that their safety was never compromised. Our flight crew undertake rigorous training that exceeds all regulatory requirements for these very situations.
"Once safely landed, the pilot entered the cabin and updated passengers as to what had happened, and ground transportation was arranged for them to continue on to Manchester that evening, although we apologise if there were any further delays with the arranged transportation.
"We would like to assure customers that instances of this nature are rare and thank our passengers for their understanding.
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"TUI has offered all those on the plane counselling from CCP (Centre for Crisis Psychology) should they need it."
LADbible has contacted TUI for further comment.
Topics: UK News, Travel, Mental Health
Jake Massey