Latest news with #AirAdvisor
The Sun
04-07-2025
- The Sun
Thousands more Brits hit by flight cancellations in second day of chaos with as many as 75,000 affected
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. 5 5 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." 5 5 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 r ecord flight delays this summer. Plus, Britain's worst airport for flight delays revealed – does your local make the list? 5
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
Glasgow tourists stranded as two major airports face 'near-total shutdown'
Glasgow holidaymakers have been left stranded after a nationwide strike in Belgium triggered a near-total shutdown at two major airports. Both Brussels and Charleroi airports were forced to suspend all outbound flights today, June 25, due to industrial action led by airport security staff protesting against government budget cuts and staff shortages. Estimates suggest the strike has grounded between 50 and 70 UK-bound flights, leaving between 9000 and 12,600 Brits stranded. READ MORE: Check out these 13 iconic Scottish words just added to the dictionary Glasgow Airport typically operates five to seven daily services—via codeshares or direct flights—to Brussels and Charleroi, all of which have been affected by the walkout. Experts at AirAdvisor have warned that the scale of disruption is significantly larger than usual, coinciding with peak summer travel planning and causing widespread difficulties for passengers. There are growing concerns about further disruption, with the possibility of more strikes throughout the peak summer months of July and August. Trade unions have indicated they may call further action every four to six weeks if their demands remain unmet, which could see an impact on 10% to 15% of summer bookings to Belgium. READ MORE: Oasis announce release of more tickets for reunion tour - Here's how to get yours The ripple effect of grounded flights may extend across the region, with potential knock-on delays at major neighbouring airports including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Frankfurt. Experts have warned that delays are expected and advised that if passengers face delays of more than five hours, travellers are entitled to either a replacement flight or a full refund at no extra cost. Airlines have already cancelled numerous services and are struggling to secure alternative flights for affected passengers. Cancelled flight passengers should be offered the choice of rebooking or a refund if they opt not to travel. The strike has also led to baggage handling delays due to a shortage of staff. The extensive disruption means missed connections are likely throughout the region. READ MORE: Oasis gives fans sneak peak at merch pop-up shops ahead of huge tour AirAdvisor has issued advice for Glasgow passengers impacted by the strike: Check flight status regularly via your airline's website or app. Utilise flexible booking options under airline change policies or travel insurance, which may cover losses between £150 and £1,200. Consider rerouting via alternative hubs such as Amsterdam (KLM) or Paris (Air France), though this may extend travel time by two to four hours. Keep all receipts for expenses and avoid booking tight layovers in affected regions. Check FCDO travel advice for updates on Belgium and monitor airline apps for real-time notifications. Contact customer service directly for rebooking, as other communication channels may face 24-hour response delays. Finally, AirAdvisor recommends that those planning trips to Belgium consider postponing travel until mid-July, when strike activity may subside.
Glasgow Times
25-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow tourists stranded after strikes at Belgian airport
Both Brussels and Charleroi airports were forced to suspend all outbound flights today, June 25, due to industrial action led by airport security staff protesting against government budget cuts and staff shortages. Estimates suggest the strike has grounded between 50 and 70 UK-bound flights, leaving between 9000 and 12,600 Brits stranded. READ MORE: Check out these 13 iconic Scottish words just added to the dictionary Glasgow Airport typically operates five to seven daily services—via codeshares or direct flights—to Brussels and Charleroi, all of which have been affected by the walkout. Experts at AirAdvisor have warned that the scale of disruption is significantly larger than usual, coinciding with peak summer travel planning and causing widespread difficulties for passengers. There are growing concerns about further disruption, with the possibility of more strikes throughout the peak summer months of July and August. Trade unions have indicated they may call further action every four to six weeks if their demands remain unmet, which could see an impact on 10% to 15% of summer bookings to Belgium. READ MORE: Oasis announce release of more tickets for reunion tour - Here's how to get yours The ripple effect of grounded flights may extend across the region, with potential knock-on delays at major neighbouring airports including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Frankfurt. Experts have warned that delays are expected and advised that if passengers face delays of more than five hours, travellers are entitled to either a replacement flight or a full refund at no extra cost. Airlines have already cancelled numerous services and are struggling to secure alternative flights for affected passengers. Cancelled flight passengers should be offered the choice of rebooking or a refund if they opt not to travel. The strike has also led to baggage handling delays due to a shortage of staff. The extensive disruption means missed connections are likely throughout the region. READ MORE: Oasis gives fans sneak peak at merch pop-up shops ahead of huge tour AirAdvisor has issued advice for Glasgow passengers impacted by the strike: Check flight status regularly via your airline's website or app. Utilise flexible booking options under airline change policies or travel insurance, which may cover losses between £150 and £1,200. Consider rerouting via alternative hubs such as Amsterdam (KLM) or Paris (Air France), though this may extend travel time by two to four hours. Keep all receipts for expenses and avoid booking tight layovers in affected regions. Check FCDO travel advice for updates on Belgium and monitor airline apps for real-time notifications. Contact customer service directly for rebooking, as other communication channels may face 24-hour response delays. Finally, AirAdvisor recommends that those planning trips to Belgium consider postponing travel until mid-July, when strike activity may subside.
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Daily Record
12,000 passengers grounded as strikes trigger 'near-total shutdown' at two major airports
A nationwide strike is affecting up to 70 UK flights, including some from Scotland. A nationwide strike in Belgium today (June 25) has triggered a near-total shutdown at Brussels and Charleroi airports, grounding 50-70 UK flights, including many flying out of Scotland, and stranding between 9000 and 12,600 Brits . The walkout led by airport security staff protesting government budget cuts and staffing shortages has forced both airports to suspend all outbound flights today (June 25). From Edinburgh Airport there is a daily Brussels Air flight, while Glasgow Airport usually sees between five and seven daily flights via codeshares or direct services. Experts at AirAdvisor estimate that the strikes will affect between 50 and 70 flights from the UK and will impact between 9,000 and 12,000 passengers. And they said while strikes across Europe have become more common, the scale of disruption today is significantly larger, and it comes during peak summer planning, leading to more problems for travellers. There are also fears of more disruption for travellers with Belgium possibly seeing more strikes in the peak summer months of July and August. This could affect 10 to 15 per cent of summer bookings to the country. Unions have said they may call strikes every four to six weeks if the situation is left unresolved. Anton Radchenko, Aviation Expert & Founder of AirAdvisor said: 'What makes this strike so problematic is that it disrupts the backbone of airport operations: security screening. "Unlike pilot strikes where airlines can sometimes operate reduced schedules, security strikes shut down entire terminals. For UK travellers, this means no flexibility, no fallback options, and no notice." They advise passengers to be prepared ahead of further action this summer. Anton said: "Book flexible fares, avoid same-day connections via Brussels or Charleroi, and build at least 24-hour buffers if your itinerary involves Belgian hubs. "From a legal standpoint, while airlines aren't obligated to pay compensation for these third-party strikes, they must still offer full refunds or alternative routes, and they're required to provide care, including food, transport, and overnight stays where necessary. "If your airline fails to meet these obligations, you have the right to escalate your claim." He also said: "Looking ahead, I strongly advise passengers to treat Belgium as a 'high-risk travel zone' for the next 4–6 weeks. "The same goes for Helsinki, which has been notorious for strikes this year. Until labour disputes are resolved, travellers should reroute through more stable hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris, where the chance of mass cancellations is significantly lower." AirAdvisor's has also offered advice for UK passengers: Check Flight Status: Use your airline's website or app for accurate and timely updates. Flexible Booking: Reschedule via airline change policies or use travel insurance to cover £150-£1,200 losses. Reroute Options: Consider flying via Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM (£150-£250, 1 hour) or Paris (CDG) with Air France (£200-£300, 1.5 hours), adding 2-4 hours but ensuring safety. Document all receipts, and avoid tight layovers in affected areas. Check FCDO travel advice for Belgium updates and airline apps for real-time changes. Contact customer service for rebooking, as other mediums report 24-hour delays in responses. Consider delaying Belgium trips until mid-July, when strikes may ease.
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Airport chaos as EU strikes begin with 3 UK hubs affected and Brits 'stranded'
Up to 12,600 Brits could be left 'stranded' after a huge staff strike has forced two major airports to suspend all outbound flights for the day - resulting in a 'near-total shutdown' of the hubs Brits have been issued a 'major travel warning' after a nationwide strike has triggered a 'near-total shutdown' in a European hotspot. Two airports in Belgium (Brussels and Charleroi) are facing last-minute chaos over a staged walkout led by airport security staff, who are said to be protesting against government budget cuts and staffing shortages. The huge demonstration has forced both airports to suspend all outbound flights for the day - grounding up to 70,000 flights and 'stranding' up to 12,600 Brits. Experts over at AirAdvisor warn the disruption is 'significantly larger' than the scale of previous aviation flights - and will directly impact approximately 100 UK flights today (Wednesday, June 25). It has therefore urged all UK holidaymakers to check their flight status ASAP and consider reroute options. The air passenger rights company has used data from FlightRadar24's live schedule and OAG's 2025 summer projections to work out exactly which UK airports will be impacted by the strikes. For Brussels (BRU) - which receives around 60-70 daily flights from the UK - this includes: London Heathrow (LHR): 8-10 daily flights (British Airways, Brussels Airlines). Manchester (MAN): 2-3 daily flights (Brussels Airlines, Ryanair). Edinburgh (EDI): 1 daily flight (Brussels Airlines). Birmingham (BHX): 1 daily flight (Brussels Airlines). Other UK airports (e.g., Bristol BRS, Glasgow GLA) contribute 5-7 daily flights via codeshares or direct services. Charleroi (CRL), which is located south of Brussels, is mainly used by low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air. It receives around 40-50 daily flights from the UK, with major routes including: London Stansted (STN): 6-8 daily flights (Ryanair). London Luton (LTN): 2-3 daily flights (Wizz Air, Ryanair). Manchester (MAN): 1 daily flight (Ryanair). Other UK airports (e.g., Liverpool LPL, Bristol BRS) contribute 2-4 daily flights. "What makes this strike so problematic is that it disrupts the backbone of airport operations: security screening," Anton Radchenko, Aviation Expert & Founder of AirAdvisor said in a statement sent to the Mirror. "Unlike pilot strikes where airlines can sometimes operate reduced schedules, security strikes shut down entire terminals. For UK travellers, this means no flexibility, no fallback options, and no notice." The expert advised Brits to book 'flexible' fares and avoid same-day connections via Brussels or Charleroi. From a legal standpoint, he says affected passengers must be offered 'full refunds or alternative routes' as well as paid-for food, transport and overnight stays where necessary. "Looking ahead, I strongly advise passengers to treat Belgium as a 'high-risk travel zone' for the next four to six weeks," Anton added. "The same goes for Helsinki, which has been notorious for strikes this year. Until labour disputes are resolved, travellers should reroute through more stable hubs like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris, where the chance of mass cancellations is significantly lower."
