Was it lawful to confine passengers?
I don't think anyone is complaining about the need for a diversion in the first place or that the period on the ground at Gatwick lasted for 9 hours for reasons that have been explained. What is being complained about is that during those 9 hours, it appears that nobody took into account the needs of the passengers coooped up in their seats after a long haul flight without food or drink - and probably with full and smelly lavatories as well. I agree it is easier for the staff to keep all the passengers confined on board the plane and out of sight and out of mind. Which brings me back to my original point. Was it lawful to prevent those passengers who wanted to from disembarking? Staff convenience has nothing to do with justifying actions if those actions are unlawful. I don't have an answer which is why I ask the question.