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A QantasLink flight destined for Port Lincoln in South Australia faced an unusual predicament today, having to turn back twice, leaving passengers with a six-hour delay.
The aircraft initially departed from Adelaide Airport at 7:55 a.m. but was forced to return almost an hour later after colliding with a bird.
After a ground stop of about an hour and receiving clearance to fly again, the plane encountered a technical issue mid-flight, compelling it to make a second return to the airport.
“It felt like something out of a Seinfeld episode,” remarked Barry Stribler, a passenger on the flight.
“The pilot personally addressed each passenger upon disembarking, apologizing for the inconvenience,” Stribler added.
“We got told that they had three other planes here so I don’t understand why they wouldn’t just change planes.”
Eventually passengers did change planes as engineers worked on the first aircraft.
The flight eventually took off just before 2pm after six hours of waiting, two delays and two different planes.
Imogen Evans was heading to her best friend’s wedding when she was caught up in the delay.
“I’m devastated to miss the ceremony, they’re two of my best friends,” Evans said.
However she said there was a silver lining to the journey.
“The camaraderie on the plane has been so lovely, we’ve met a girl who’s going to drop us straight to the wedding,” she said.
A Qantas spokesperson apologised for the delay and acknowledged the frustration.
“However safety is always our first priority,” the spokesperson said.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding from our customers.”