Vienna Airport apologises to Scots ‘abandoned’

The airport spokeswoman said: “Due to a failure of Vienna Airport’s wheelchair service, the passengers were brought to the aircraft late, and their luggage was not offloaded. We deeply regret this incident.

“The passengers were promptly escorted by Vienna Airport staff from the departure gate to a service counter, where an alternative flight was offered at the airport’s expense. However, this offer was declined by the passengers.

“Vienna Airport will fully cover the additional costs incurred due to the passengers flight rebooking and the luggage that was not offloaded.”

The family, who had enjoyed a “lovely” Christmas break in the Austrian capital, said their flight home was initially delayed by two hours due to a technical fault.

They said they were escorted by airport assistance staff to a gate along with an 84-year-old solo passenger, who was also in a wheelchair.

After the staff failed to show up to board them, they were told the flight had been cancelled.

They later learned it had taken off without them and the solo passenger.