Several Irish athletes who competed in the World Athletics Championships are facing an extended stay in Budapest after their flight to Dublin was cancelled due to a technical issue affecting UK airspace.
Athletics Ireland said close to 15 of its staff and some athletes who had been competing in Budapest are among those affected.
Athletes and staff were kept on the runway at Liszt Ferenc airport for over three hours before the pilot announced the flight was being cancelled.
Runners Kelly McGrory, Sophie Becker, John Fitzsimons and Mark English are among those from the Irish team whose flight was cancelled.
They were later said to be exploring other travel options from Budapest.
Fans and members of the Irish media have also been forced to reschedule their plans.
Athletics Ireland CEO Hamish Adams said many of the team had already returned home and these staff and athletes were among the last to fly out.
"It is the last thing any of them would want. Everyone is very frustrated and is in the middle of trying to rebook," he said.
Mr Adams said it was still unclear when they could rebook to get a new flight home.
"It was a fantastic tournament and Budapest and Hungary have done a fantastic job," he said, saying it was a pity that the journey back had ended like this.
A number of passengers travelling from Irish airports also had their flights cancelled due to the technical issue.
At Dublin Airport, British travellers Luke Allwood and Jenny Cooke were told after arriving at their gate that the flight was cancelled and they "might get a flight tomorrow".
Luke said he was disappointed not to be given any information before they went through security.
Meanwhile, US passengers Dyane and Paul Bast flew into Dublin from Milwaukee but had their onward flight to Venice, Italy, cancelled.
They said they were disappointed and exhausted and now plan to spend a night in Dublin before flying home to the US.
Airport authorities have advised passengers to check the status of their flights with their airline before travelling to airports.
