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Hundreds Stranded On Runway When Airline Goes Out Of Business - Orlando News Story - WKMG Orlando
"ORLANDO, Fla. -- More than 260 people were on a runway when the airline they were scheduled to travel to Britain with went out of business -- leaving them stranded in Orlando.
British airline XL went out of business Thursday night and immediately grounded its flights, including all planes leaving Sanford-Orlando International Airport.
"(Airport officials) told us we should go and sleep on the street with our children because we are not their responsibility," an angry passenger said. "I've come here on a packaged holiday and I've paid to go home."
After news of the bankruptcy broke, an aircraft carrying the passengers about to take off turned around and headed back to the airport.
"We went backwards about 150 feet, stopped and got a message from the captain that there has been a bit of a problem," a passenger said.
The passengers said they were then let out on the runway and forgotten.
"I thought America and Britain were supposed to be (close)," passenger Mark Russell said. "They wanted us off the airport (property).
"They are kicking us out on the street," a nearby passenger said.
Local 6 showed video of passengers discussing the matter with a police officer and official.
"I've told all of them who will talk with me that I'm doing everything I can to get answers for them," an official said.
"You threatened us with armed police if we don't leave," a passenger said. "The armed police will be coming to remove us."
The tourists were still trying to find a way home Friday.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story. "
"ORLANDO, Fla. -- More than 260 people were on a runway when the airline they were scheduled to travel to Britain with went out of business -- leaving them stranded in Orlando.
British airline XL went out of business Thursday night and immediately grounded its flights, including all planes leaving Sanford-Orlando International Airport.
"(Airport officials) told us we should go and sleep on the street with our children because we are not their responsibility," an angry passenger said. "I've come here on a packaged holiday and I've paid to go home."
After news of the bankruptcy broke, an aircraft carrying the passengers about to take off turned around and headed back to the airport.
"We went backwards about 150 feet, stopped and got a message from the captain that there has been a bit of a problem," a passenger said.
The passengers said they were then let out on the runway and forgotten.
"I thought America and Britain were supposed to be (close)," passenger Mark Russell said. "They wanted us off the airport (property).
"They are kicking us out on the street," a nearby passenger said.
Local 6 showed video of passengers discussing the matter with a police officer and official.
"I've told all of them who will talk with me that I'm doing everything I can to get answers for them," an official said.
"You threatened us with armed police if we don't leave," a passenger said. "The armed police will be coming to remove us."
The tourists were still trying to find a way home Friday.
Watch Local 6 News for more on this story. "
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