Passengers on a flight connecting Tangier and Brussels experienced a harrowing ordeal on August 16, enduring an 11-hour delay due to a “dilapidated plane,” resulting in an uncomfortable and humiliating experience.
According to several passengers who spoke to Tanja7, the flight operated by Royal Air Maroc was scheduled to depart from Ibn Battuta Airport at 3:40 PM but only took off at 3 AM.
### Engine Malfunction and Faulty Air Conditioning
Passengers reported that upon boarding, they noticed an engine malfunction and that the air conditioning was not functioning. They were surprised to learn that the aircraft was not owned by Royal Air Maroc but leased from another company, with no explanations provided by officials regarding this decision.
Facing these issues and the sound of the engine resembling that of a “dilapidated bus,” passengers were asked to disembark. Without any communication about the timeline for repairs or a replacement aircraft, they waited for hours at Tangier Airport.
After a prolonged wait, they were informed that the plane had been “repaired” and asked to board again for departure. However, they asserted that conditions had not improved, as the air conditioning remained inoperable and temperatures inside the cabin were stifling, leading to fainting episodes among elderly and young passengers, necessitating ambulance assistance.
### Captain Refused to Take Off
Affected individuals stated that the captain, in a responsible move amid these inhumane conditions, refused to take off, urging the need for a resolution to ensure passenger safety. Subsequently, he asked passengers to disembark again, leading to protests from the passengers demanding solutions.
### Departure After 11-Hour Delay
With growing protests and significant delays, Royal Air Maroc finally decided to provide a replacement aircraft. After 11 hours, passengers were able to depart at 3 AM on a flight operated under the Ram symbol.
Most of the passengers, primarily members of the expatriate community, expressed their outrage over the incident, stating that the situation was not merely a travel delay but a direct affront to the Moroccan community visiting their homeland to connect with family and roots.
### Calls for Apology and Legal Action
The affected individuals called on Royal Air Maroc to acknowledge this grave error, issue a formal apology, and take measures to restore the dignity of the Moroccan community, which significantly contributes to the national economy and cultural connections.
Some passengers indicated they were considering legal action to prevent such incidents from recurring, aiming to improve service quality and ensure humanitarian treatment of passengers while safeguarding safety.
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