PASSENGERS on one of only two direct flights to the US from Northern Ireland were left angered at the weekend after their trip was cancelled due to sickness amongst the cabin crew.
Low-cost carrier Norwegian began operating flights from Belfast International Airport to Providence, in Rhode Island state, and Stewart International, in New York, on July 1.
On Saturday, some passengers had already checked in for the flight to Providence, only to later discover that it had been cancelled via text message.
It has also emerged that passengers put on a later flight from Belfast to Stewart International had to endure an additional stop for re-fuelling at Gander International Airport in Canada.
A spokeswoman for Norwegian said: "We are extremely sorry that due to staff sickness, the planned flight from Belfast to Providence on Saturday 8th July was cancelled.
"Arrangements were made to rebook passengers on flights from Belfast to the US on Saturday night and from Dublin to Providence on Sunday, together with additional transport and hotel accommodation as required.
"Due to the cancellation of the Belfast-Providence flight, some passengers were put onto an alternative flight from Belfast to Stewart International on Saturday night."
The spokesman added: "The additional passengers meant that an additional fuel stop en-route was required - this was planned and arranged before the flight took off, adding approximately one hour to the flight time. We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused."
One Twitter user, Joseph Morrison, tweeted the airline: "Belfast - Providence cancelled, no information from you, no alternative flights, what's happening?"
One Facebook user wrote: "Oh dear- yes many times people have called in sick. But that's why there's standby crew."
The Norwegian routes began just six months after the north's only direct air link with the US was scrapped.
United Airlines previously operated a service to Newark, but the airline withdrew from Belfast in January.
A £9 million rescue deal agreed between Stormont and the airline was stopped because the financial package breached EU state rules.
Economy minister Simon Hamilton said his department would be providing "financial support" to Norwegian Air, though the exact value of this support was not revealed.
