- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 22
- 4 min read
TUI Long-Haul Flight Drama: Cancun to Gatwick Passengers Face 17-Hour Delay After Smoking Incident
By Mr Plane Guy Plane Travel News & Reviews with Altitude
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When your long-haul flight turns into a long-haul saga
A TUI Airways long-haul flight from Cancun to London Gatwick became a travel nightmare after a couple were allegedly caught smoking onboard, forcing the pilot to divert to Bangor International Airport in Maine, USA.
Flight BY49, scheduled to land at Gatwick on July 8, made the unscheduled stop when crew reported “disruptive behaviour” mid-flight. The two passengers were removed by US authorities, but for everyone else, the ordeal had only just begun.
Stuck on the tarmac in Maine
British passenger Terry Lawrance, 66, told reporters that travellers were kept onboard for several hours before being taken into a nearby US Air Force base lounge that had been hastily converted for the stranded group.
“It was like a warzone in a lounge, rows and rows of beds. Everybody was fed up,” he said.
Because the original flight crew had reached their legal duty limits, TUI had to dispatch a fresh crew from the UK, leaving passengers stranded in Bangor for more than 17 hours.
Videos posted online showed travellers sleeping on inflatable beds as they waited for updates, with their luggage still locked in the aircraft hold. The flight finally departed Maine on July 9, landing at Gatwick the next day, nearly two days after leaving Cancún. It’s one of several recent TUI flight delays involving long-haul services to and from the UK this summer.
What TUI said
A spokesperson for TUI confirmed that the diversion was for safety reasons, stating that “the matter has been referred to the relevant UK authorities.” The airline apologised for the inconvenience and thanked passengers for their patience during the lengthy disruption.
Plane Tip: Pack Smart for the Unexpected
If this incident proves anything, it’s that packing wisely matters, especially on long-haul flights. Whether it’s an unscheduled diversion or an overnight delay, having your essentials close by can make all the difference.
I always travel with the Cabin Max Anode Luggage Set a 40 L cabin case and 100 L hold case combo that’s perfectly matched to TUI’s baggage rules.
Why it’s ideal for TUI flyers:
Anode 100 L Hold Case: Sized for TUI’s 20–25 kg checked allowance.
Anode 40 L Cabin Case: Approved for TUI flights (55 × 40 × 20 cm) fits overhead bins perfectly.
Smart Packing Design: Dividers, waterproof compartments, and zipped pockets keep everything tidy.
Peace of Mind: Lightweight, spinner wheels, combo locks, and a 3-year warranty.
👉 this set is a “Plane Good” travel investment that keeps your trip smooth even when your flight isn’t. or buy it on Amazon Here
This set is the ultimate travel duo perfect if you want to avoid gate fees, keep hand luggage compact and organised, and travel stress-free with TUI. Pair it with your personal under-seat bag or packing cubes, and you’re set for a smooth airport experience from check-in to baggage claim.
Plane Tip: Don’t forget the little comforts. I never board without my noise-cancelling earbuds and travel adapter with USB-C ports both from Amazon, both worth every penny on long-haul flights. You should also get a airplane Bluetooth adaptor
Related Plane Good Reads for TUI Travellers
TUI Luggage Allowance Guide: Everything You Need to Know Learn exactly what you can pack and how to avoid surprise fees at the gate.
TUI Flight Review on Long Haul: Dreamliner Experience What TUI’s long-haul really feels like, from seat comfort to inflight meals.
TUI Flight Delays & Cancellations: Know Your Rights ⚠️ Your guide to compensation, rebooking, and what to do if you’re stuck overnight.
Did you know you can claim up to £520 in the UK per person for delayed or cancelled flights?
Check if you can make a claim Here
Final TUI Boarding Call
For the Cancún passengers, a 10-hour flight turned into a 36-hour adventure they’ll never forget and probably never want to repeat.
So next time you’re boarding a TUI Dreamliner to the Caribbean or Mexico, keep your cool, pack smart, and maybe skip the mid-flight smoke break.
After all, it’s much more fun arriving at Gatwick, not Bangor.
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a former airline insider (Virgin insider even, that sounds so wrong) who’s swapped the jump seat for the window seat. I share honest reviews, travel hacks, and a few behind-the-scenes stories.
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Thanks for reading, TUI Long-Haul Flight Drama: Cancún to Gatwick Passengers Face 17-Hour Delay After Smoking Incident.
Do check out my Flight Delay Guide
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