TUI passengers were ordered to leave their flight in Cape Verde following a sickness bug outbreak on the island.
They had been due to depart from Boa Vista airport and fly back to the UK on Sunday, October 6.
However, a number of passengers staying on the popular destination had come down with gastric illness during their trip, Manchester Evening News reports.
Anyone affected by the illness was asked to turn on the overhead light above their seat before they were told to leave the aircraft for a medical check.
Michaela, 53, and her husband James, 54, were two of the 47 passengers asked to leave the plane before it took off.
Michaela, a nurse from north Yorkshire, said: "We were told that they initially had concerns about a little girl who was poorly.
"But the crew had got wind of the fact that quite a few of the passengers had had this bug.
"We'd been ill earlier in the week but it hadn't ruined our holiday. We'd just cancelled a few of the day trips and stayed on our terrace.
"When the cabin crew asked us about it, I turned on our light because I thought we should be honest.
'I didn't have my passport or anything'
"With hindsight, I wish I'd never turned it on because of the stress and upheaval it caused. They told us we all had to get off the flight for a check with the doctor.
"They gave us in-transit cards, but then immediately said 'you can't get back on'.
"The captain said we couldn't get back on in case we had to take a medical diversion. We'd left everything on there. I didn't have my passport or anything.
"Hours later with nothing to eat or drink but a box of juice and some biscuits, we were told we wouldn't be flying at all.
"It was a nightmare. It wasn't like everyone was being sick or queuing for the bathroom."
The couple said they missed the flight but managed to get another one to London Gatwick on Tuesday, October 8.
What TUI said
A TUI spokesperson said: "We can confirm as a precautionary measure any passengers reporting symptoms consistent with gastroenteritis were removed from flight TOM227 before departure from Cape Verde earlier this month.
"The passengers were taken to a medical facility and given temporary accommodation until they obtained a fit to fly certificate.
"Alternative flights to the UK were then arranged, along with any transport where necessary.
"The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always our highest priority.
"We are in contact with all affected customers to apologise for any inconvenience to their holiday."
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