Flyglobespan apologises for stranding passengers in JFK airport

The airline which operates flights from Ireland West airport in Knock to New York has apologised for the delay which left passengers stranded in JFK for a week.

The plane was grounded after being struck by lightning.

Flyglobespan has said it is conducting a full internal inquiry into the incident.

Flyglobespan's flight from JFK to Ireland West Airport was due to depart on June 28 but the last of the passengers didn't arrive home until a week later.

A replacement aircraft couldn't be sourced from the airline's base at Glasgow because of a security alert there.

The company chairman insists they looked at the problem from all angles and safety was their top priority.

He blames the ground handlers for not communicating information from the airline to passengers who complained that they weren't being told anything.

Tom Dalrymple has said they know they let their customers down and they are offering passengers who took other flights home a refund of their fares.