Manchester, UK — In a bizarre boarding blunder, a Jet2 flight from Manchester Airport to Alicante, Spain, took off on schedule without around 35 passengers on Monday, January 19, 2026, leaving the holidaymakers stunned and stranded in a dead-end stairwell.
The incident occurred with flight LS879, scheduled to depart at approximately 7:00 AM GMT from Terminal 2. Passengers had already passed through security, had their boarding passes scanned, and shown their passports to airline staff. However, instead of proceeding via the air bridge directly to the aircraft, a group was mistakenly directed through a set of doors and down a flight of stairs into a confined stairwell with no access to the plane.
Trapped in what passengers described as a “cul-de-sac,” the group waited for up to 40 minutes with no clear communication or assistance. Many reported feeling “like caged animals” as they tried to understand the situation. By the time they realized what was happening, the plane had departed for its roughly 2-hour 45-minute flight to Alicante-Elche Airport without them.
Passenger Reactions: “Gobsmacked”
One passenger expressed disbelief: “I am gobsmacked at the fact they don’t do a headcount. That plane is at least 35 people light, it’s bizarre.” Others shared similar frustration, noting that the absence of such a large group should have been immediately obvious to crew and ground staff.
The holidaymakers, many looking forward to sunny escapes in Spain, were left dealing with disrupted plans, potential additional costs, and the stress of being separated from their luggage, which had already been loaded onto the flight.
Jet2’s Response
Jet2 confirmed the incident in a statement: “We are aware that flight LS879 from Manchester to Alicante departed without some customers this morning. We are investigating this as a matter of urgency.” The airline has apologized to those affected and stated it is arranging alternative flights for the stranded passengers.
An initial explanation pointed to an “error on the stairwell directions.” The airline is now reviewing boarding procedures at Manchester Airport to prevent similar occurrences.
Safety and Procedural Questions
Aviation experts and passengers have raised concerns about how a group this size—representing a significant portion of the aircraft’s capacity—could be overlooked after boarding procedures had begun. Standard protocols typically involve final headcounts or manifest checks, especially since luggage for the missing passengers was on board.
This event echoes occasional past incidents, such as a 2022 Ryanair case where passengers were left behind, but the scale here has drawn widespread attention.
Manchester Airport and Jet2 have not released further details on the exact number affected (reports vary between 30 and 35) or the full timeline, pending the ongoing investigation.
For the stranded holidaymakers, what should have been the start of a relaxing getaway turned into an unexpected ordeal at the airport. Jet2 has promised to support them with rebooking and compensation where appropriate under UK passenger rights regulations.
As summer holiday season approaches, the incident serves as a reminder for travelers to stay vigilant during boarding and for airlines to ensure robust ground procedures, especially at busy hubs like Manchester.
