Overview

• Condor flight DE1234 attempted five approaches to Heraklion, diverting to Athens, Kos and Thessaloniki before returning to Zurich after a 32-hour ordeal.
• Powerful winds at Heraklion Airport repeatedly forced the aircraft to circle and divert, preventing safe landings.
• Passengers onboard received only one glass of water throughout the journey and many reported vomiting during severe turbulence.
• Travelers were obliged to pay for their own hotel stays in Thessaloniki despite EU regulations entitling them to reimbursement.
• Condor said weather conditions at Heraklion Airport limited operations and directed affected passengers to EU passenger rights for expense claims.