FLIGHT cancellations and delays hit a second day in Europe causing chaos for thousands of passengers.
Latest data reveals that the disruption across Europe, caused by an Air Traffic Control strike in France, has worsened with the overall number of passengers affected now thousands more.
Flight cancellations and delays hit a second day in Europe causing chaos for thousands of passengers[/caption]
The delays and cancellations are due to a French ATC strike, causing many countries to experience chaos, including Spain (pictured)[/caption]
According to AirAdvisor, yesterday’s disruption rates looked to be between 20 and 40 per cent of scheduled flights.
However now, the disruption rate is stretching to between 60 and 65 per cent, which means 60,000 to 75,000 passengers are expected to be impacted by the strikes.
According to aviation analytics firm, Cirium, 645 flights arriving into French airports have been cancelled so far today due to the strikes.
This is equal to 29 per cent of all scheduled arrivals into French airports.
A further 658 departures have been cancelled so far today from French airports – equal to 30 per cent of all scheduled departures.
Of these, 62 flights from the UK to France have been cancelled – which is 40 per cent of all flights from the UK to the country.
In the other direction, from France to the UK, a further 62 have been cancelled – again equalling 40 per cent of those scheduled.
Yesterday saw a total of 525 flights into French airports cancelled, which was 25 per cent of all scheduled.
A further 501 departure flights were cancelled, equal to 24 per cent of those scheduled.
Of these, there were 51 flights from the UK to France cancelled and also 51 from France to the UK cancelled – each equalling 36 per cent of those scheduled.
Another disgruntled traveller said: “@easyJet @easyJet_press
left stranded in Italy due to cancelled flight.
“No customer service support. No flight until Sunday but only put us up for one night?
“Most likely won’t be able to get through on call this morning. No contact email to be found anywhere. No support on chat!”
Some passengers were also due to fly to big events taking place in the UK this weekend, including the Silverstone Grand Prix and Lana Del Rey performing at Wembley.
One user commented: “My flight has been cancelled due to a strike and I won’t arrive in time, I’m reselling tickets to see Lana del Rey and Addison Rae.”
Another added: “My parents would fly to the UK tonight so they can come to Silverstone for the weekend, now their flight is cancelled.”
According to aviation analytics firm, Cirium, 645 scheduled flights into French airports have been cancelled so far today due to the strikes[/caption]
Yesterday saw a total of 525 flights into French airports cancelled and 501 flights out of French airports[/caption]
One woman commented on Facebook: “Flights now cancelled. We boarded the plane at 23:45…
“Three hours late to get told we will be diverted to Madrid due to cabin crew hours exceeded.
“Then got told actually it’s cancelled and we all need to get off. Now stranded… due to be at work in 7 hours.”
Kara Gammell, personal finance expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “Under EU law, you may be entitled to a refund for your flight from the airline, but you may also be able to reclaim other costs, such as accommodation, on your travel insurance.”
“If your flight is delayed your airline has an obligation to offer you food, drink and accommodation depending on the length of delay.”
Passengers are only eligible for extra compensation if they are made aware of strikes less than 14 days before their flight, as strikes are classed as ‘extraordinary circumstances’ with them not being the airline’s responsibility.
Kara added: “As long as the airline strikes were announced after you booked your trip and your travel insurance, you may be able to claim through your insurer.
“Always check the terms and conditions of a policy before you buy it as not all travel insurance providers offer cover for airline strikes.
“If your policy includes travel disruption cover though, then it might be possible to claim for disruption or losses incurred as a result of your trip being delayed or cancelled.”
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Ryanair recently warned of record flight delays this summer.
Plus, Britain’s worst airport for flight delays revealed – does your local make the list?
Passengers in Madrid, Spain, have been pictured waiting at check-in desks, during the second day of a strike by French air controllers[/caption]
