A group of tourists that were expecting to spend a week in Scandinavia are demanding compensation after their flight was forced to return to the city due to mechanical problems and they weren't able to get a new flight until early September.

The tourists boarded a Scandinavian Airlines plane from Shanghai to Stockholm on Wednesday, but 30 minutes after takeoff the plane was forced back to the airport.

"Before the plane safely landed in Pudong International Airport, I saw some passengers drawing up wills," said Wang Zhiqing, one of the 38 tourists who signed up for a package tour to four Scandinavian countries with Shanghai Xin Kanghui International Travel.

A marketing manager surnamed Yao with Scandinavian Airlines Shanghai office, said the company is still investigating the incident, and the exact reason for the mechanical problems is not known yet.

More than 200 passengers were provided accommodations by the airline.

The tour group was unable to get another flight the next day, and the airline said it couldn't offer them a flight until September 9. Since that date didn't fit their schedule, the tour had been canceled.

"We hope the travel agency compensates us properly for our loss, instead of only refunding our air fare," said Wang. "After all, we spent two very unhappy days."

Wang complained that the leader of the group didn't respond properly when the tourists put forward their demands. "They just turned away when we asked them to sign a document, promising to make up for our loss."

(Shanghai Daily August 27, 2005)