More fun and games with BA DUB-LHR yesterday.
Boarding pax stuck in very cold airbridge for 15 mins until finally informed there was a tech problem. Instructed to return back up to Terminal. It should take 30 minutes to fix.
From the Terminal windows it was plain to see that the problem was with the nosegear which the Captain subsequently said had been found to have “no gas” which had to be replenished. During the repairs a trailer with gas cylinders onboard had been observed beside the nosewheel. Perhaps an expert here could elaborate on this.
Lots of connecting pax very worried about onward at LHR but nobody complains when a tech issue arises. Everyone wants to fly on a sound aircraft.
Pushback about 50 mins later but, unfortunately, a/c had just been told to “get out of the way” (Captain’s words) and wait somewhere else on airfield for a new slot.
Lots of connecting pax even more worried about onward at LHR.
Finally got under way and only short delay in stack at LHR.
Some pax still hopeful of catching connections.
Hopes dashed. The fun really started after this. BMI’s long-held disembarkation record at LHR of 18 minutes was easily surpassed. 27 minutes before a (rear) door finally opened and steps used.
You’d have thought that, with such an original delay, that BA would have pulled out all the stops to get pax off quickly. You’d be wrong.
One pax called it the airline equivalent of Fawlty Towers.