I was on a flight to Sofia (Bulgaria) many, many winters ago.
Due to the snowstorms in Europe, it was about 4hrs late in departure. But, after take-off, it claimed above the weather, and everything was hunky-dory.
About 2hrs into the 3hr flight, the plane starts descending, the weather getting worse the lower we got. I look across the aisle to the guy opposite. We both look at our watches, and both have the same confused expressions on our faces.
No announcements from the flight deck, and the air hostesses have made themselves scarce.
As we get lower, I hear the under-carriage being lowered & snapping into place. A few people by this time are looking both confused & worried.
Suddenly, with no announcement or fasten seat belt notices, we’re landing on a runway.
I again look at the bloke opposite, and we both at the same time say “This can’t be Sofia…. that’s another hour away”.
Outside, the snow is falling heavily, with visibility about 50-100metres… but by now half the plane are on their feet, struggling into their coats and getting their luggage out of the racks. And still no announcement or hostesses.
The plane taxis along the runway….. and for about 20-30mins we’re sitting there, with the engines idling, and the people in the aisles (with their coats & hats & luggage) getting more and more agitated. And still, no announcement or hostesses.
Suddenly, with no warning…. the engines roar into life, we hurtle down the runway…. and we’re airborne again. People are laying in the aisles, over the seats. Luggage is strewn everywhere, and continues to fall out of the overhead lockers.
So…. the plane continues on its merry journey… and lo and behold, another 1 1/2hrs later we land in Sofia. Still no announcements, and still no sign of any of the flight crew.
Bizarre (and frightening) to say the least.
