A TUI flight from Cape Verde were diverted to Tenerife where passengers were forced to stay overnight.

They had only just left Boa Vista on Friday when the holidaymakers were told they would have to stop in the Canary islands.

They were told that cabin crew on flight TOM439 had reached the maximum hours they were legally allowed to work, so they were diverting to Tenerife to pick up more crew.

However, when they landed, the 150 or so passengers were then told that replacement crew could not be sourced so they’d have to stay overnight.

The flight eventually left for Manchester the following day, arriving on Saturday.

Travel Gossip understands that the reason passengers had to stay overnight was that a member of the replacement crew was unable to travel due to a personal issue, forcing TUI to source additional crew.

In a statement, TUI said: “We understand the frustration of customers on flight TOM439, who were delayed overnight in Tenerife. 

“Our teams have been in contact with customers, provided them with transport and overnight accommodation, food and beverages. 

“We do our best to ensure customers get to and from their destinations on time, and we’d like to apologise for this inconvenience. 

“Situations like this are rare, and we thank customers for their patience and understanding.”