UK flights suspended: What rights do you have to compensation for cancelled flights?
What rights do you have if your flight out the UK has been cancelled?
- A technical issue at the National Air Traffic Services (Nats) Swanwick air traffic control centre led to limitations on all outbound flights from the UK.
- Passengers are entitled to care, including refreshments and accommodation, for delays, with the obligation dependent on flight distance and applicable regardless of the delay's cause.
- Compensation is due for flight cancellations or delays of three hours or more if the airline is responsible, with the amount varying based on flight distance.
- Airlines are exempt from paying compensation only in "extraordinary circumstances" like severe weather or political instability, but not for technical problems, which are considered within their control.
- Compensation must be paid by bank transfer(or cheque), except if the airline obtains the prior signed agreement of the passenger to pay with vouchers for future travel, and passengers can claim directly or through claims handlers, with rights also applying if an airline-caused delay leads to a missed connection and later arrival.