Holidaymakers returning to the North East from Paphos have been hit with 24 hour delays after reports of ‘chaos’ at the Cypriot airport.

Two flights returning to the North East on Wednesday (November 2) evening were cancelled at the last minute after ground staff walked out in a last-minute strike.

Workers at Paphos International Airport planned a two-hour walkout between 2pm and 4pm, but extended it until around 7pm causing disruption to dozens of flights.

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Two planes bound for Newcastle Airport, a Jet2 flight codenamed LS516 and a TUI flight codenamed BY1365, were both affected by the disruption.

The Northern Echo: Two flights returning to Newcastle were delayed by around 24 hours.Two flights returning to Newcastle were delayed by around 24 hours. (Image: DAVESHERWOOD15/TWITTER)

The flights were both rescheduled to Thursday evening leaving passengers with 24 hour delays.

Travellers posting on social media described ‘absolute chaos’ at the Cypriot airport as pictures emerged of holidaymakers lying on the floor, huge queues forming in the terminal and many more waiting outside.

Others said the situation was simply ‘unbelievable’.

According to reports from The Cyprus Mail staff walked out after 156 workers were handed redundancy letters on Tuesday.

The Northern Echo: A Jet2 flight and a TUI flight to Newcastle were cancelled by a day after strike action in Paphos.A Jet2 flight and a TUI flight to Newcastle were cancelled by a day after strike action in Paphos. (Image: DAVESHERWOOD15/TWITTER)

Both TUI and Jet2 have now offered apologies to the North East holidaymakers left stranded by the strikes, however it is understood they will not be given any compensation as the strikes were out of the airlines' control.

A spokesperson for TUI told The Northern Echo: “We know passengers due to travel from Paphos to Newcastle yesterday were disappointed by their late return home.

“Unfortunately, due to a strike by external ground handling staff, we were forced to delay their flight overnight, but our teams kept everyone informed and we provided accommodation and refreshment vouchers. We can confirm the flight has safely departed and will land in Newcastle later this evening.

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“Whilst the situation was completely outside of our control and we did everything we could in this exceptional circumstance, we do appreciate how frustrating delays are and we’re sorry for the inconvenience caused.”

The Northern Echo: TUI has issued an apology to customers affected.TUI has issued an apology to customers affected. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Meanwhile a spokesperson for Jet2 added: “Due to last-minute and unforeseen strike action by external ground handling staff at Paphos Airport yesterday (Wednesday 2nd November), our Paphos to Newcastle flight night stopped in Cyprus last night, and is flying back to the UK this evening.

“Our teams have been doing everything they can to look after customers, including arranging hotel accommodation last night, as well as providing refreshments.

The Northern Echo: Jet2 has also issued an apology to its customers after the delays.Jet2 has also issued an apology to its customers after the delays. (Image: File)

“Although this is completely outside of our control, we would of course like to apologise to all customers who have been affected.”

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