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Pricey ... the cancellation is estimated to have cost Virgin Australia around $100,000. Source: Getty Images
VIRGIN Australia has been left thousands of dollars out of pocket after it was forced to cancel an overseas flight because one crew member came down with a mystery illness.
Passengers on the Bali-Brisbane flight early Sunday morning only learned of the cancellation after arriving at Denpasar airport around midnight.
Bali belly ... a Virgin Australia spokesman confirmed illness of a cabin crew member was to blame for the flight cancellation. Source: No Source
While they waited, the Boeing 737-800 took off with just the pilots on board in order to keep to their schedule in Australia.
Passengers were then bussed to the 4.5 star Dynasty Bali Hotel nearby, and given a room and meals.
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Although some passengers opted to get on a flight to Sydney, most waited until the next Brisbane flight, 20 hours later.
One passenger, who did not want to be named, said it seemed extraordinary a flight could be cancelled due to one crew member falling sick.
“Several passengers volunteered to do the food service themselves, if it meant the flight taking off,†she said.
Flying solo ... the Virgin Australia 737 returned to Brisbane empty after the crew member fell ill. Source: News Corp Australia
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority requires Australian aircraft to operate with a minimum of one crew member for every 50 passengers.
A 737-800 has the capacity to carry 176 passengers, which would mean a minimum of four crew members.
A CASA spokesman said if an airline could not meet the minimum number it would be unable to carry passengers because that would be a breach of regulations.
Lengthy delay ... most passengers waited until the next Brisbane flight, 20 hours later. Source: News Corp Australia
A Virgin Australia spokesman confirmed illness of a cabin crew member was to blame for the flight cancellation but refused to comment on the nature of the sickness for privacy reasons.
“All guests were re-accommodated on alternative flights by the next day and we apologise for the inconvenience this caused,†he said.
The cancellation is estimated to have cost Virgin Australia around $100,000 taking into account the cost of fuel, 4.5 star hotel accommodation and meals, charter buses and crew.