Martin Brundle has launched a furious attack on British Airways and Heathrow after allegedly being trapped aboard a stationary plane for nine hours without food during Britain’s travel chaos.
The former Formula One driver and popular television pundit claimed passengers were left stranded at a remote parking bay as the aircraft failed to travel anywhere.
Brundle said the conditions became increasingly desperate during the lengthy wait, with the plane’s toilets eventually blocked and no apparent way for those on board to disembark.
He also expressed concern for a mother with a baby and another passenger with a medical condition who, according to his account, were desperate to leave the aircraft.
The 67-year-old detailed the ordeal in a blistering post on X, accusing British Airways and Heathrow of displaying a “pathetic and dangerous” lack of preparation.
“Great work BA and Heathrow. Nine hours and counting sitting on a plane which has travelled nowhere,” Brundle wrote.
“At a remote parking bay, no food throughout, and mother/baby and a person with a medical condition desperate to get off. As is everyone else.
“Toilets no longer available as blocked. No sign of steps or buses. And that’s before the wait for luggage.
Martin Brundle has launched a furious attack on British Airways and Heathrow after allegedly being trapped aboard a stationary plane for nine hours without food during Britain’s travel chaos
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“Pathetic and dangerous lack of corporate contingency and responsibility.”
Brundle’s experience came as thousands of passengers were affected by widespread disruption across the United Kingdom following an air traffic control failure.
Almost 2,000 flights were cancelled on Tuesday after the technical problem caused severe delays throughout the country’s aviation network.
Hundreds more services were axed on Wednesday as airports and airlines continued dealing with the knock-on effects.
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Brundle’s anger appeared to be intensified by the absence of food and his claim that passengers could not access working toilets or leave the aircraft despite remaining on the ground.
The former McLaren, Benetton and Jordan driver has become one of the most recognisable figures in Formula One broadcasting since retiring from racing.
He is particularly renowned for his unpredictable pre-race grid walks, during which he attempts to interview drivers, celebrities and senior figures moments before the action begins.
Brundle had been in Italy for the latest round of the Formula One season at Monza, where Kimi Antonelli produced a remarkable drive to strengthen his grip on the world championship.
Martin Brundle had been working at the Italian Grand Prix
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GETTYThe Mercedes star recovered from 19th on the starting grid after receiving a power unit penalty and surged through the field to claim victory.
Antonelli, 20, now holds a commanding 66-point advantage over team-mate George Russell with 10 races remaining.
The Formula One paddock is next due in Spain for this weekend’s race at the new Madring circuit.
Brundle and his broadcasting colleagues had been expected to travel there ahead of the event, only for the aviation crisis to cause widespread uncertainty and disruption.
