SCOTLAND fans heading to the World Cup had their travel plans thrown up in the air earlier after their plane was unable to take off.
Hundreds of supporters have descended on Edinburgh Airport again today as the Tartan Army gears up for the country’s first World Cup in 28 years.
But for some, their excitement turned to panic after they had to step back off their flight.
United Airlines flight UA119 was due to depart the capital at 11.30am, carrying 134 passengers, bound for Chicago O’Hare Airport in Illinois.
The takeoff time was then delayed to 1.40pm, but the aircraft was unable to leave the tarmac and the flight was subsequently cancelled.
It is understood that the flight was scuppered due to a technical problem with the Boeing 757’s navigation system.
Passengers disembarked from the plane and were rescheduled to fly to the US on other aircraft, with some Scotland fans now travelling via London.
But some supporters are now expected to arrive stateside 12 hours later than originally planned.
Speaking to The Scottish Sun, one passenger, who declined be named, said: “We were due to go on the 1.40pm flight and we boarded as normal. They offloaded some passengers and then we were told there was a maintenance issue and we had to ‘deplane.’
“Once back inside the staff were excellent and kept us informed but they eventually told us the the flight was being cancelled.
“We have been rebooked already and will now catch a flight to London and go from there tonight.
“We have vouchers for food and we can claim compensation.
“All in all we will arrive in America twelve hours later than planned.
“It’s not an ideal start to our trip but it’s not a disaster.”
Another passenger added: “I am going to my son’s house so accommodation or losing hotel fees is not an issue. It seems the plane has some issues and couldn’t fly.
“We are still waiting to hear what they are doing to get us to America. But most of the other Tartan Army guys have already gone to London to get other flights out today.”
A United Airlines spokesperson said: “UA119 from Edinburgh to Chicago cancelled today due to a navigation system issue.
“Customers received compensation and reaccommodation on the next available flight.”
