easyJet flight to Liverpool delayed after more passengers boarded than available seats

AMSTERDAM — Passengers aboard an easyJet flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Liverpool faced a frustrating delay on Monday evening, October 26, 2026, after airline staff accidentally boarded more travelers than the aircraft had seats for.

Flight U23444, scheduled to depart at 21:35 CET, was grounded after the ground crew realized the headcount exceeded capacity. The flight was operated using an Airbus A319, bearing registration G-EZBZ, which has a maximum seating capacity of 156 passengers.

According to passengers at the gate, the boarding process came to a halt when crew members discovered the discrepancy. A lengthy resolution process ensued as staff worked to find volunteers willing to give up their seats in exchange for compensation and alternative travel arrangements.

The logistical mix-up caused a significant delay as gate agents negotiated with travelers and managed baggage offloading for the volunteers. Flight U23444 eventually departed Schiphol Airport at 22:52 CET, arriving at its destination over an hour behind schedule.

Overbooking is a common industry practice designed to account for expected no-shows, but incidents resulting in active overboarding and departure delays remain frustrating for stranded travelers.

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