EasyJet refuses to take off unless FIVE passengers leave as plane too heavy

EasyJet refuses to take off unless FIVE passengers leave as plane too heavyFive passengers were forced to leave an easyJet plane that couldn't take off for Malaga from London Southend Airport on April 11 because the plane was too heavyNewsTim Hanlon News Reporter11:25, 17 Apr 2026Updated 11:34, 17 Apr 2026View ImageEasyJet has confirmed five passengers got off the plane at Southend Airport (stock image)(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)A packed easyJet plane could not take off until five passengers left because it was too heavy.‌As the aircraft was on the tarmac at London Southend Airport, the pilot made a surprise announcement over the tannoy, informing the cabin that the plane was simply too heavy to safely take off.‌The carrier confirmed the incident involving flight U2 7008 on April 11 and said it occurred because safety remains its "highest priority".‌An easyJet spokesman told The Mirror: “Five passengers on flight EJU7008 from Southend to Malaga on Saturday volunteered to travel on alternative flights as a result of the aircraft being over the weight limits for the weather conditions and the short length of the runway. Weight restrictions are in place for all airlines for safety reasons.Donald Trump issues nuclear warning to Pope Leo and REFUSES to meet himKLM cancels flights to and from UK as major airlines face fuel crisis“The customers were provided with transport and a later flight to Malaga on the same day, free of charge, from London Gatwick and we have been in touch with them to provide the compensation they are entitled to, in line with regulations. The safety and welfare of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority.”They passengers who agreed to disembark were given transport to Gatwick airport, where they caught a flight to Malaga the same day. Passenger Carly Mowbray told Your Southend: "The people who got off departed to a round of applause from those of us that stayed. The flight crew said they had not experience...