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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Brendan McFadden & Andrew Bardsley

Hundreds of holidaymakers forced to spend night in emergency shelter due to heavy fog

Hundreds of holidaymakers have found themselves sleeping in an 'emergency shelter' set up at a conference centre after bad weather at a French ski resort caused travel chaos.

TUI passengers hoping to travel back to Manchester Airport from Chambery were stranded at a the centre 12 miles from the resort.

And those trying to fly from Manchester to the resort in the Alps have also been affected by the disruption.

TUI have apologised and said they will be giving refunds to those affected.

According to the airline, 'adverse and changeable weather conditions' led to safety concerns at the resort, due to heavy fog, the Manchester Evening News reported.

Were you caught up at the shelter? Get in touch at webnews@mirror.co.uk

About 500 people affected were taken to a conference centre (MEN Media)

One frustrated traveller claimed flights by other airlines between the UK and Chambery were taking place.

Flights are now being diverted from Chambery to Lyon airport.

Holidaymakers who were due to fly back to the UK yesterday morning ended up instead having to spend the night in the shelter on camp beds.

About 500 people affected were taken to a conference centre in the town of Aix-les-Bains, about 12 miles north of Chambery.

These included Paul Heywood, 53, and his 21-year-old daughter Erin from Marple Bridge, who were due to fly back to Manchester yesterday morning.

Mr Heywood described events as an 'utter fiasco'.

He said that they were given fold up beds to sleep on and blankets, and were given McDonald's food.

(Manchester Evening News)

He said there has been a lack of communication from staff, and hopes to fly back later on Sunday night.

The airline said it tried to book hotel rooms in Chambery for those affected, but due to a lack of availability an emergency shelter was also used, and people there were given food and water.

Hundreds of other passengers in Manchester trying to get to Chambery spent the day in the airport after the 6am flight was delayed.

Sam Brown, who was looking forward to a week long skiing holiday with friends, told the M.E.N. that he had to return home to Urmston last night after being unable to find any hotel rooms close to the airport.

TUI says those due to fly on yesterday's 6am flight are now expected to leave Manchester at 7pm on Sunday and instead fly to Lyon airport, 37 hours after they were originally due to depart.

Another flight is due to leave Manchester for Lyon at 5.50pm.

A spokesperson for the airline said: "We can confirm that a number of customers have been impacted following adverse and changeable weather conditions in Chambery on Saturday 4th January.

"The safety of our customers and crew is always our highest priority and we are doing all we can to get everyone to their destination as quickly as possible today.

"Customers are being provided with food and drinks and are being supported by our Crystal ski reps.

"We are very sorry for the inconvenience this is causing and would like to thank our customers for their co-operation and patience."

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