Passengers have told of their "flight from hell" after a plane was left stranded on tarmac in -19C for over 16 hours.
United Airlines flight UA179 from Newark to Hong Kong was diverted to Goose Bay in Canada on Saturday due to a medical emergency before becoming stranded at the airport when a plane door became stuck.
Passengers told of how they were left on the plane in freezing conditions with one claiming that the plane was “running low on food.”
Sonjay Dutterson wrote on Twitter: “A medical emergency rerouted my plane. Landing in Goose Bay Canada, where it’s -20. A door broke, can’t fix and awaiting rescue for the last 10 hours as I sit in this place on a runway in middle of nothing Canada.
“We need help United.”
The passenger was taken off the plane for medical treatment however an issue with one of the plane doors emerged.
According to a United spokeswoman, the plane door couldn’t shut because it likely froze in the freezing conditions.
Passengers were not initially allowed off the flight as there were not any customs staff at the airport however as time went on, they were allowed to stretch their legs in a small area, 20 people at a time.
Officials from Goose Bay brought Tim Hortons snacks and water for those onboard along with nappies for babies on the flight.
United Airlines were forced to send a rescue plane to transfer those on board back to Newark.
One passenger, Rebecca Ausseil wrote on Twitter: “Have been stuck on the tarmac in goose valley for 8 hours. 5 hours ago we were told a rescue plane was on its way from Newark to save us. 5 mins ago we were told the rescue plane hasn’t even left yet.”
A spokeswoman for the airline told Global News that United had done “everything they could” to ensure the passengers’ comfort.
She added that passengers will be greeted upon their arrival with compensation including refunds and vouchers.
