“SAUNA-LIKE HEAT”
Among those on board were 49 members of Thailand’s national Muay Thai team and accompanying reporters, with the contingent bound for home via Doha following their participation in the world championships in Patras, Greece.
One of the Thai boxers, Thannachai Sidsongpeenong, told The Nation that he considered himself “lucky to have survived this”, adding that he and other passengers were “melting in sauna-like heat” on board.
Social media footage showed smoke billowing out from the rear of the plane and Qatar Airways later said the delay was caused by a “technical issue”.
“Qatar Airways sincerely apologises for the delay to passengers traveling on flight QR204 from Athens (ATH) to Doha (DOH) on Monday Jun 10, 2024, which was due to a technical issue,” a spokesperson told Business Insider.
“We regard the safety and comfort of our passengers and crew as our highest priority at all times, and have offered our apologies to each passenger affected by this unforeseen disruption and the inconvenience caused.
“Additionally, passengers have been informed of their compensation entitlements in line with the applicable regulations.”
Flight QR204’s departure was delayed by a day, according to the airline’s website, and arrived in Doha at 10.34am on Tuesday.
Wildfires, a perennial problem in the Greek summer, started as early as March, and earlier this week, the country’s fire risk warning was placed at a “very high” level of four on a scale of five.
Schools and the ancient Acropolis tourist site were also shut amid the sweltering heat.
Greece is one of the most climate-impacted countries in Europe and last year, rising temperatures fuelled deadly wildfires.
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