249 passengers due to fly from the Beijing airport in China to Warsaw, Poland via LOT Polish airlines were shocked when they were asked to chip in for airplane repairs so that they could be taken home.
Passengers were asked to fork out cash when Beijing airport staff refused to complete repairs after encountering an issue with hydraulics that needed a new pump before the flight was due to take off. After raising over USD$350, passengers still had to wait a hefty 10 hours for repairs to be completed, before they were taken home.
One passenger, Daniel Golebiowski, said: “We are at the international airport. I cannot believe that transactions take place here in cash under the table with the mechanic standing next to the plane. Incredible.”
An airline spokesperson has since responded and apologised for the “unusual situation”. Adrian Kubicki said: “I know that you encountered an unusual situation today, for which I would like to apologise for from the bottom of my heart.
“Believe it nor not, but there was a situation with a warehouse employee in Beijing who refused all methods of payment other than cash which led to the confusion. Nevertheless, I am grateful to him and that the flight returned safely to Warsaw.”
Kubicki further revealed that passengers were reimbursed for the money they paid for the repairs and that vouchers will be distributed to passengers as compensation for the long wait.
Revealing that the worker who asked passengers for money will face disciplinary action, Kubicki asserted: “There are no circumstances that justify asking money from passengers.”