Passengers Faint in Heat as Qatar Airways Flight Delayed in Athens

Qatar Airways flight from Athens to Doha faced an unexpected delay and severe discomfort for passengers due to extreme heat on the tarmac on Tuesday. The aircraft was grounded for over three hours without air conditioning, causing passengers to faint and become distressed.

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According to reports, the flight was delayed at Athens airport amid a heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 39°C. About 49 Thai Muay Thai team members returning from the world championships were among the passengers. Despite the intense heat, the captain initially refused to allow passengers to deboard the aircraft, leading to a severe rise in cabin temperature.

"People were passing out, and panic ensued," sports therapist Garth Collins shared on Instagram. Passengers tried to cool themselves with makeshift fans, and some men resorted to standing without shirts. The airline provided minimal refreshments, which Collins described as "completely insufficient to rehydrate an individual after the enforced sauna on the plane."

The extreme heat led to medical issues for some passengers, including nosebleeds and the need for oxygen masks. A passenger, Jennie Zeiher, expressed her disbelief at the situation, stating, "I just don't understand why we were allowed to board in the first place." She added that the flight attendants were doing their best under the circumstances but faced significant challenges in managing the situation.

After 3.5 hours, passengers were allowed to deboard and wait on the tarmac following a strong protest. Reports also indicated smoke emitting from the aircraft's rear, prompting airport officials to put fire trucks on standby.

Qatar Airways issued an apology for the delay and the discomfort caused. "We regard the safety and comfort of our passengers and crew as our highest priority at all times," a spokesperson said. The flight eventually departed after a total delay of 12 hours, reaching Doha on Tuesday morning.

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