Go readers Michael and Marie Bolger want to know why they had to make pitstops at Faro, in Portugal, on their way to the sun
“We were in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote during January and February, flying with Aer Lingus. On both times returning home, having boarded and put our seat belts on, the pilot announced just before take-off that because of turbulence over the Bay of Biscay we would be landing at Faro to take on extra fuel.
“Last week, talking with friends, three separate couples recounted similar stories about returning from Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Each time the announcement was made too late for them to let people at home know they’d be late.
“Frankly, I do not believe the turbulence story and feel there is some other explanation. I also wonder how many other flyers have the same story of delays that make a four and a half hour flight last six hours.”
Aer Lingus responds"Flight plans are very carefully prepared in advance, with a view to the shortest routing and to take into account factors such as passenger load, baggage weight and weather. On occasion, the weather on the day, particularly where strong winds occur, may give rise to the need for a fuel stop."