PASSENGERS trapped on a plane at Melbourne Airport were refused water and forced to buy food and drink while parked on the tarmac for almost three hours.

More than 100 people including children were on board the Tiger Airways flight TT426 flying to Hobart about 6pm yesterday.

After being told there was a delay due to lost paperwork, passengers were infuriated the hostesses still charged for water despite passengers being confined to their seats until the plane was allowed to take off just before 9pm.

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Passenger Stuart Davie said he was furious.

''We need help here,'' he told the Herald Sun during the ordeal.

''There are children on board and they are charging for water, we are like prisoners.''

Airservices Australia confirmed the plane was delayed for two hours and 50 minutes but could not comment on the reason as it was an airline issue.

Tiger Airways spokeswoman Vanessa Regan confirmed the flight was delayed.

''Passengers remained on the aircraft as the flight was expected to depart soon after, however unfortunately the engineers' assessment took longer than anticipated,'' she said.

''Tiger Airways apologises for any inconvenience to affected passengers.''