Flight EZY7121 had been due fly from Spain to the UK on Sunday evening when it was cancelled by the airline.

Customers due to take the flight have now accused the airline of leaving them stranded in the resort.

However, a spokeswoman for the airline said a delay earlier in the day caused by a technical hitch and the airline had no choice but to cancel the return flight as crew could not legally work beyond their allotted hours.

She added: “As you will be aware crew can only legally operate a set number of hours per day which they reached due to a previous delay earlier in the day caused by a technical issue.

“The aircraft was an Airbus A320 and had 180 passenger onboard.

"EasyJet can confirm that flight EZY7121 from Liverpool to Alicante due to operate on May 21 had to be cancelled as a result of the crew reaching their maximum working hours due to a previous delay earlier in the day caused by a technical issue.

“Consequently, the return flight EZY7122 from Alicante to Liverpool due to operate on the May 21 also had to be cancelled.

“Passengers were provided with information, hotel accommodation and meals where required and all have now been booked onto alternative flights.

“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority.

“We would like to thank passengers for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience caused.”