BUDGET airline EasyJet has apologised after accidentally telling surprised passengers their flight would be delayed for 86 years.

EasyJet cancelled a late-night flight from Geneva to Gatwick due to bad weather on Sunday, and then emailed passengers to tell them the flight had been delayed until the eve of the 22nd century, the Independent reports.

"We are writing to inform you that your flight will depart as 9485 at 11:00 local time on 29/07/2099", the email said, apologising for the "significant inconvenience". It went on to say it hoped travellers would "give us another chance in the future".

An airline spokesperson apologised for the message, saying it was caused by a computer "glitch".

"Even our new long-term fleet deal doesn’t take us that far into the future", he said.

