Chania Airport: Technical failure causes five-hour delay and passenger unrest

A technical failure on a Boeing 737 flight from Chania to Thessaloniki caused significant unrest at Chania’s Daskalogiannis Airport. The flight, carrying 183 passengers, was scheduled to depart at 16:40 on a Sunday, but a technical issue during taxiing forced the pilot to return to the gate.

After several hours of technical inspections, a second instrument warning appeared during a subsequent engine restart attempt, extending the delay. Passengers remained inside the aircraft for approximately five hours. Tensions escalated when passengers reported being told they would have to pay for water.

When the flight was finally cleared for departure, many passengers refused to continue. The situation led to shouting, a panic attack, and a passenger fainting. Police were called to manage the disturbance. Ultimately, 25 passengers disembarked from the plane. During the process of boarding a bus, one woman sustained a leg injury and was transported to a hospital by ambulance. The flight eventually departed for Thessaloniki at 21:50.