A planned stag celebration in Prague turned into a logistical nightmare for one groom-to-be after easyJet cancelled their flight at the last minute, citing a lack of crew. The incident, which occurred on June 26, 2026, left four members of the stag party stranded in the UK while three others were already in the Czech capital.
Flight Cancelled Without Warning
Lauren Gillett, speaking on behalf of her friend, detailed the chaos on social media. The easyJet flight EZY8783 from London Gatwick to Prague, scheduled to depart at 6:10pm, was cancelled around 8pm. Passengers were directed to the easyJet app for options, which included a free flight within 24 hours, a voucher, or a full refund. However, no alternative flights were available that night from Gatwick, and attempts to book from Stansted also failed as all seats were taken.
Stag Party Split Across Two Countries
The cancellation split the stag party: the groom, best man, and two others were left in the UK, while three stags already in Prague faced a weekend without the main group. “The stag is completely ruined,” Gillett wrote on X. She noted that the group had paid for non-refundable activities and accommodation, which they could not cancel due to the lateness of the cancellation.
Industry Context and Passenger Rights
This disruption reflects broader operational pressures on low-cost carriers during peak travel periods. According to data from AirHelp, easyJet has faced numerous cancellations due to crew shortages and tight scheduling. Aviation analysts at OAG note that such pressures can create a domino effect, forcing last-minute cancellations to prevent wider delays. Under UK261 regulations, affected passengers are entitled to re-routing or compensation, but consumer groups argue that payouts often fail to cover non-refundable expenses or the emotional impact of ruined milestone events.
EasyJet's Response
An easyJet spokesperson stated that the cancellation was due to weather-related air traffic control restrictions that caused the crew to exceed safety-regulated hours. They added that passengers were offered rebooking, refunds, and hotel accommodation where necessary. “The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority,” the spokesperson said, apologizing for the inconvenience.
Groom Left Without a Stag Weekend
Gillett expressed frustration that the groom would not have a stag weekend due to the airline's staffing issues. “Thank god they've got insurance and they better get compensation but that doesn't change the fact the groom has no stag,” she wrote. The three stags already in Prague, who did not know each other, also faced a ruined weekend.
