Wind-strong fallen gusts of wind made a holiday in Greece a game of patience for the passengers. Two failed landings in Heraklion, twice back to Athens and finally again in Vienna: an AUA flight to Crete became an extraordinary Odyssey. Even the crew said he has never experienced anything like that.
Started on time, landed twice, but never where it was planned. What started as a holiday flight to Crete recently became an airy Odyssey for AUA passengers. Instead of Tzatziki there was a lot of turbulence, two failed landings, staying on the rollerveld for five hours and an extra night in Vienna. When asked by the “krone” of Austria, the crew was surprised: “We have never experienced anything like that in 25 years of flight experience,” said it in the cockpit.
What exactly happened?
The AUA flight OS9001 left on May 16 as planned in Vienna. Goal: Heraklion in Crete. Also on board two relaxed Burgenländer, who were already at the airport at 8.00 am: “The flight was calm, the chassis was already extended, then there was a strong wind. We suddenly had to get started.” It is not for nothing that Crete is called Wind Island. The notorious Smeltemi, a strong northern wind, made a landing on the capital of the capital impossible.
Windinsel makes their name honor
The machine came to Athens – an unplanned but necessary fuel stop followed. “We had to stay on the plane,” says the couple from Burgenland.
The second attempt followed two hours later: “We flew back to Heraklion, made several rounds over the airport in the air and had to start for the second time, although several aircraft end up in front of us.” Again we went back to Athens. This time: three hours on the plane. “Some passengers then got out. They couldn’t take their luggage with them,” say the passengers.
AUA: “Exceptional Weatherpight!”
In the official statement of the AUA it is against the Odyssey flight to Crete: “It only landed if it is 100 percent safe. In the narrow time window on the first flight this was not possible.” And also the second time: a chain of unfortunate circumstances, of all the things that this one machine could not land, although a number of others made it.
Back in Vienna after twelve hours
At 11 p.m. the machine eventually landed again at the airport of Vienna-Schwechat. The passengers received meal vouchers, the hotel accommodation took over the AUA. “We saw that with a wink,” say the Burgenlanders. “There was everything that was on the plane. But we were in holiday mode anyway.” The next day the passengers regularly went to Crete – luckily this time without incidents.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
