Winnipeg families frustrated as they remain stranded abroad by Sunwing
Posted December 28, 2022 5:22 pm.
Last Updated December 28, 2022 7:48 pm.
“Frustrated, scared, uncertain and disappointed.” Those are the four words Amrit Malik, used to describe her experience travelling with Sunwing. Malik is just one of many Winnipeg families is desperately trying to get home after several delays but have been left stranded by Sunwing.
On December 18, Malik and her family headed to Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic. They were supposed to come back to Winnipeg on Christmas Day, but their flight kept getting delayed over and over again.
“It was pretty clear that Winnipeg specially and some of the smaller centres were not a priority,” explained Malik. “In fact, none of us are even checked out even though we are here. The hotel has kept our rooms open in case we have to come back.”
While Malik and her family are stranded at the airport, one Winnipeg man hasn’t even left his resort.
“Every single day since the 24th we’ve been stuck in the lobby for six hours,” explained Nickolas Duschinger, who is stranded in Cuba.
Duschinger and his family arrived in Cuba on December 17 and were supposed to leave on the 24th. He says the constant flight delays from Sunwing have interrupted his life back in Winnipeg.
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“Just absolutely frustrating. I had plans for when I got home. I just got hired and I was supposed to get back before the 28th to start working and that just really disappoints me,” Duschinger explained.
Both Malik and Duschinger say that what makes this experience even worse is the lack of communication from the airline.
“Complete blackout, I don’t even know who or what Sunwing management is,” said Malik.
Malik says other Canadians travelling with Sunwing are just as frustrated and some are even planning to file a lawsuit against the airline.
“We heard there are people sleeping on the airport floors. When you shell out five figures you don’t expect to sleep on the airport floors.”
CityNews reached out to Sunwing for comment but have not heard back at this time.
“Everyone missed out on Christmas, they missed out on days of work.” said Duschinger. “Everyone is extremely upset.”
