Dublin to Rome: a 13 hour trip
* Checked in on AL at 12.30pm
* Advised there was a delay, but no info given by AL staff
* Texted friend in Italy who confirmed there was an air traffic control strike
* Took off 6.30pm
* About 50 mins later a smell of burning
* Emergency landing at Gatwick, luggage unpacked, no fire, no sign of any burning
* One Passenger insists on getting off - wait another 3 hrs to complete all paperwork. Passenger gets off.
* Another passenger wants to get off - is 'persuaded' in no uncertain terms to remain on board.
* Plane departs 11.30pm
* Plane arrives 3.30am (allowing for 1 hr time difference)
* AL staff make a speedy exit, no one wants to know or help passengers, no buses, people walking out to entrance of airport to ambush taxis.
* taxis charging passengers at least twice the price of usual fare.
* Called owner of apartment we had booked, he suggestged we sleep at airport, we said sorry, but not our fault and we have paid for accomodation, pls send a taxi. Owner sends a taxi - to the wrong airport.
* Finally get taxi to apartment, meet owner to get keys at 4.30am (apartment was beautifully decorated, but no air con and really noisy)
* transport strike continues for the weekend and we ride the buses and trains free - just like the locals.