Tensions have flared at a Spanish airport as holidaymakers travelling back to Norwich have been left stranded for more than 12 hours.

People have reported crying and hats being thrown against walls as frustrations mount among the 200 weary travellers in Palma, Mallorca.

The Tui flight, operated by Alba Star, was meant to leave at 9am today (June 2) but never arrived, with passengers receiving no information for six hours. 

The package holiday company has now said a technical issue has caused the delay and has apologised for the lack of communication, with the flight expected to leave at 6.30pm.

Eastern Daily Press: Tony Mitchell with his wife Paula and 13-year-old son feeling bored and hungry at Palma airportTony Mitchell with his wife Paula and 13-year-old son feeling bored and hungry at Palma airport (Image: Tony Mitchell)

Tony Mitchell from Norwich, who is on holiday with his wife Paula and 13-year-old son, said: "At this rate, I'm not even sure I want to get on the plane if it has taken this long to fix - how bad it could it be?

"It is as if they completely forgot about us. We have had no communication and have been left in the dark.

"It has been very frustrating."

Eastern Daily Press: The flight to Norwich disappeared from the departure board 45 minutes after it was meant to have left Palma, with no explanation from staff or TUIThe flight to Norwich disappeared from the departure board 45 minutes after it was meant to have left Palma, with no explanation from staff or TUI (Image: Tony Mitchell)

Another passenger, Sarah Phillips, from Bunwell, is on holiday with her mum and six-year-old daughter and has faced a wait of more than 14 hours at the airport.

She said: "Things are getting heated with people shouting and crying and there are a number of sick children.

"At one point security was called to calm down the situation.

"It has been really badly mismanaged and has been a bad end to a brilliant holiday."

READ MORE: Tui passengers stranded in Turkey following 48-hour delay

Eastern Daily Press: Frustrations are growing among the passengers as they wait for news on when they will return to NorwichFrustrations are growing among the passengers as they wait for news on when they will return to Norwich (Image: Sarah Phillips)

The delay has meant passengers in Norwich have had the start of their holiday delayed for several hours as well, as they will fly on the same plane for its return leg to Palma. 

It follows last year's travel chaos which saw passengers hit by widespread disruption with some delays lasting as long as 48 hours. 

A Tui spokeswoman said: "We completely understand the frustration of customers and we would like to apologise for the lack of communication about the delay in their journey. 

"We hope to have passengers safely on their way this afternoon and thank them for their patience and understanding."

Tui has said customers have been given details on the new estimated departure time and how to claim compensation.