Latest news with #EC261
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
110 flights cancelled at airline that serves Edinburgh
The IAU has announced a series of industrial actions that will significantly disrupt ground operations at one airport on June 2 and June 4 The Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) has declared a series of strikes starting today at an airline that serves Edinburgh and other UK airports. It will significantly disrupt ground operations at Helsinki Airport on June 2 and June 4. The strikes are due to an ongoing wage dispute between the IAU and the employers' association Palta. As a consequence of the planned four-hour work stoppage today, Finnair has had to cancel roughly 110 flights, affecting around 8,000 passengers. The airline is contacting all impacted customers directly via email or SMS to offer alternative arrangements. The IAU confirmed the strike would go ahead following the failure to reach a resolution in collective bargaining negotiations. The union has also issued further strike warnings for June 11, highlighting the potential for continued disruption. Talks have been at a standstill since late January, with hundreds of flights cancelled in recent months. The main issue revolves around salary increases, with the IAU rejecting a recent proposal by the national mediator. According to the union, aviation sector wage growth has lagged behind other industries. They have cited missed raises in 2021 and 2022 as a key concern, reports Bristol Live. In addition to London Heathrow, Finnair also operates flights to and from Manchester and Edinburgh. Passenger rights during the industrial action Despite the industrial action, air passengers' rights remain protected under European regulation EC 261/2004. "Airlines are required to rebook affected passengers to their final destinations at the earliest opportunity and provide Duty of Care-such as meals and hotel accommodations-in cases of significant delays," said Darina Kovacheva, Head of Legal at airline compensation specialist SkyRefund. Full refunds could be available Passengers whose flights are cancelled or significantly delayed may opt for a full refund. Compensation eligibility depends on the nature of the strike. If the strike involves Finnair's own employees, eligible passengers may receive compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance. If the disruption results from strikes by third-party staff, such as ground handlers not directly employed by the airline, the event is classified as an "extraordinary circumstance," and compensation is not owed. Nevertheless, passengers are advised to retain receipts for any related expenses. Finnair encourages customers traveling on affected dates to monitor their email and SMS messages for updates and to visit the airline's website for the latest travel information.
The Independent
29-04-2025
- The Independent
Spain and Portugal power outage: What rights do you have to compensation for cancelled flights?
Tens of thousands of airline passengers were stranded after a sudden power outage across Spain and Portugal. Around 500 flights were cancelled, almost half of them to and from the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. Travellers may be entitled to care while they wait – but not, as this was beyond the control of airlines, compensation. But your rights depend on where your flight begins and the airline involved. For all flights from the UK and EU airports (as well as those in the wider EEA), European air passengers' rights rules prevail. These were introduced in 2006 and are known as EC261. After Brexit, the UK copied and pasted the same regulations into British law as UK261. The rules were devised to require airlines to do the right thing for their passengers. They specify the care and compensation you can expect when your plane is cancelled or heavily delayed. These rules also apply for flights on EU and British airlines departing from outside the European Union and the UK. A cancellation, or even a delay of hours rather than minutes could trigger the obligation for an airline to provide a hotel room and meals as appropriate. If the airline is to blame – in circumstances other than the Spain and Portugal blackout – it will also owe hundreds of pounds in cash. Conversely, when flying on a non-EU/UK carrier from outside Europe. you may just have to put a dismal aviation episode down to expensive experience, and see if your travel insurer can help. These are the key questions and answers. In the UK and Europe, what can I expect if my flight is cancelled or delayed? For delays of under two hours you have no rights (unless a short delay in the UK triggers a missed connection and much later arrival at your final ticketed destination – see below). For longer delays, the airline should provide refreshments as appropriate after a specified length of time. This applies regardless of the cause of the delay. The time at which the duty of care kicks in depends on the distance you are flying: Short flights (up to 1,500km): refreshments after two hours. Mid-haul journeys (1,500 to 3,500km): three hours. Longer trips: four hours. Note that if the airline believes providing the care would further delay the flight, it need not deliver. If the delay extends overnight, the airline is obliged to find and pay for a hotel room. In practice, carriers often say, 'too difficult', and invite the passenger to book their own and reclaim later. While this practice does not comply fully with the rules, aviation authorities tend to turn a blind eye to it. My flight from an airport outside the UK or EU is cancelled. What am I entitled to? If you are booked on a UK or EU airline you have full rights as above. On any other airline, you have none – though in practice a reputable airline will provide meals and accommodation as appropriate. Some travel insurance policies will help meet expenses that cannot be claimed back elsewhere, and may pay a modest amount of flight delay compensation. It's no longer worth going. Can I cancel and get my money back? If your flight is cancelled, and you decide not to travel, you should get money back within a week. Some airlines may offer a voucher instead. If there is a benefit in taking a voucher – say an 'uplift' in value of 25 per cent – and you know you will be using the same airline within a year, that might be a good decision. But easyJet, Britain's biggest budget airline, does not offer any benefit – insist on cash. How do I qualify for a cash payout? If you are flying from a UK/EU airport or on a British/ European airline and have your flight cancelled – or are delayed in arrival by at least three hours – the presumption is that you are owed hundreds of pounds in compensation. The payment depends on distance: Under 1,500km, for example London to Barcelona: £220 or €250 1,500-3,500km, such as Manchester-Lisbon: £350 or €400 Above 3,500km, eg Birmingham- Dubai: £520 or €600. If a long-haul arrival delay is between three and four hours, the compensation is halved. The only way the airline can avoid paying out is by demonstrating 'extraordinary circumstances' were responsible. Define 'extraordinary circumstances'? The rules provide only a partial answer: 'political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes'. Court cases have gradually refined the concept of 'extraordinary circumstances' to exclude technical problems. In other words: if a mechanical failure caused the delay, you are due compensation. A judge ruled such issues are 'inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier'. Official strikes by the airline's own staff are regarded as within the carrier's control, but oddly 'wildcat' walkouts not sanctioned by a trade union are not. Crew sickness is a grey area, with no legal certainty. Ryanair says: 'Only a small number of claims will be eligible for compensation. Most delays/cancellations are out of Ryanair's control.' How do I claim? Each airline should enable you to fill out an online form, but these are sometimes difficult to track down. The pages for three leading airlines are here: 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. For example, an airline might offer a 30 per cent uplift if you accept vouchers that are valid for a year – so a choice between £350 in cash or £455-worth of flights. What if I have a justifiable claim but it is turned down? One course of action is alternative dispute resolution, but The Independent has serious reservations about some of the decisions of these arbiters. Writing a Letter Before Action – warning that you will go to Money Claim Online if you do not get a positive response within two weeks – is worth trying, so long as you follow through. For a £350 claim the fee is £50, which is refunded if you win. Since Brexit UK citizens no longer have access to the European Small Claims Procedure, so if you are chasing compensation on a flight originating in the EU it might be easiest to go through a claims handler. One such firm is AirHelp, but be warned that the company will keep between 35 and 50 per cent of any payout (the higher amount if court action is involved). My flight was an hour late departing, but I missed a tight connection If you arrive at your final ticketed destination three hours or more late, you are still in line for compensation – as long as the cause was down to the airline. For example, in 2018 I flew on British Airways from Heathrow to Moscow for an onward connection to Volgograd on the Russian airline S7. The plane was an hour late leaving London because of overrunning engineering work. I missed the connection in Moscow and arrived five hours behind schedule at Volgograd. BA paid delay compensation without a fuss; the issue of meals was easily solved because S7 sent me to the business lounge to wait. It is notable that in the CAA delay figures for 2023, almost all the airlines that are largely feeding 'hub' airports did better than the average: Air France, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways all outplayed easyJet and Ryanair in getting planes away on time. They have a strong incentive for punctuality, with connections sometimes less than an hour and the penalty for messing up so high. Turkish Airlines is unique among the big network carriers with an average delay of 29 minutes, which must wreck a significant number of transfers.
The Independent
29-04-2025
- The Independent
Spain and Portugal: What rights do you have to compensation for cancelled flights?
Tens of thousands of airline passengers were stranded after a sudden power outage across Spain and Portugal. Around 500 flights were cancelled, almost half of them to and from the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. Travellers may be entitled to care while they wait – but not, as this was beyond the control of airlines, compensation. But your rights depend on where your flight begins and the airline involved. For all flights from the UK and EU airports (as well as those in the wider EEA), European air passengers' rights rules prevail. These were introduced in 2006 and are known as EC261. After Brexit, the UK copied and pasted the same regulations into British law as UK261. The rules were devised to require airlines to do the right thing for their passengers. They specify the care and compensation you can expect when your plane is cancelled or heavily delayed. These rules also apply for flights on EU and British airlines departing from outside the European Union and the UK. A cancellation, or even a delay of hours rather than minutes could trigger the obligation for an airline to provide a hotel room and meals as appropriate. If the airline is to blame – in circumstances other than the Spain and Portugal blackout – it will also owe hundreds of pounds in cash. Conversely, when flying on a non-EU/UK carrier from outside Europe. you may just have to put a dismal aviation episode down to expensive experience, and see if your travel insurer can help. These are the key questions and answers. In the UK and Europe, what can I expect if my flight is cancelled or delayed? For delays of under two hours you have no rights (unless a short delay in the UK triggers a missed connection and much later arrival at your final ticketed destination – see below). For longer delays, the airline should provide refreshments as appropriate after a specified length of time. This applies regardless of the cause of the delay. The time at which the duty of care kicks in depends on the distance you are flying: Short flights (up to 1,500km): refreshments after two hours. Mid-haul journeys (1,500 to 3,500km): three hours. Longer trips: four hours. Note that if the airline believes providing the care would further delay the flight, it need not deliver. If the delay extends overnight, the airline is obliged to find and pay for a hotel room. In practice, carriers often say, 'too difficult', and invite the passenger to book their own and reclaim later. While this practice does not comply fully with the rules, aviation authorities tend to turn a blind eye to it. My flight from an airport outside the UK or EU is cancelled. What am I entitled to? If you are booked on a UK or EU airline you have full rights as above. On any other airline, you have none – though in practice a reputable airline will provide meals and accommodation as appropriate. Some travel insurance policies will help meet expenses that cannot be claimed back elsewhere, and may pay a modest amount of flight delay compensation. It's no longer worth going. Can I cancel and get my money back? If your flight is cancelled, and you decide not to travel, you should get money back within a week. How do I qualify for a cash payout? If you are flying from a UK/EU airport or on a British/ European airline and have your flight cancelled – or are delayed in arrival by at least three hours – the presumption is that you are owed hundreds of pounds in compensation. The payment depends on distance: Under 1,500km, for example London to Barcelona: £220 or €250 1,500-3,500km, such as Manchester-Lisbon: £350 or €400 Above 3,500km, eg Birmingham- Dubai: £520 or €600. If a long-haul arrival delay is between three and four hours, the compensation is halved. The only way the airline can avoid paying out is by demonstrating 'extraordinary circumstances' were responsible. Define 'extraordinary circumstances'? The rules provide only a partial answer: 'political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes'. Court cases have gradually refined the concept of 'extraordinary circumstances' to exclude technical problems. In other words: if a mechanical failure caused the delay, you are due compensation. A judge ruled such issues are 'inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier'. Official strikes by the airline's own staff are regarded as within the carrier's control, but oddly 'wildcat' walkouts not sanctioned by a trade union are not. Crew sickness is a grey area, with no legal certainty. Ryanair says: 'Only a small number of claims will be eligible for compensation. Most delays/cancellations are out of Ryanair's control.' How do I claim? Each airline should enable you to fill out an online form, but these are sometimes difficult to track down. The pages for three leading airlines are here: 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. For example, an airline might offer a 30 per cent uplift if you accept vouchers that are valid for a year – so a choice between £350 in cash or £455-worth of flights. What if I have a justifiable claim but it is turned down? One course of action is alternative dispute resolution, but The Independent has serious reservations about some of the decisions of these arbiters. Writing a Letter Before Action – warning that you will go to Money Claim Online if you do not get a positive response within two weeks – is worth trying, so long as you follow through. For a £350 claim the fee is £50, which is refunded if you win. Since Brexit UK citizens no longer have access to the European Small Claims Procedure, so if you are chasing compensation on a flight originating in the EU it might be easiest to go through a claims handler. One such firm is AirHelp, but be warned that the company will keep between 35 and 50 per cent of any payout (the higher amount if court action is involved). My flight was an hour late departing, but I missed a tight connection If you arrive at your final ticketed destination three hours or more late, you are still in line for compensation – as long as the cause was down to the airline. For example, in 2018 I flew on British Airways from Heathrow to Moscow for an onward connection to Volgograd on the Russian airline S7. The plane was an hour late leaving London because of overrunning engineering work. I missed the connection in Moscow and arrived five hours behind schedule at Volgograd. BA paid delay compensation without a fuss; the issue of meals was easily solved because S7 sent me to the business lounge to wait. It is notable that in the CAA delay figures for 2023, almost all the airlines that are largely feeding 'hub' airports did better than the average: Air France, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways all outplayed easyJet and Ryanair in getting planes away on time. They have a strong incentive for punctuality, with connections sometimes less than an hour and the penalty for messing up so high. Turkish Airlines is unique among the big network carriers with an average delay of 29 minutes, which must wreck a significant number of transfers.
Time Business News
21-04-2025
- Time Business News
Flight Cancellation Compensation Guide 2025
Flight cancellations and delays are more than just an inconvenience—they can disrupt business trips, family vacations, and important life events. But did you know you might entitled to compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight? Understanding your rights is essential, especially as regulations evolve to better protect travelers. Here's everything you need to know about flight cancellation compensation, including how much you could claim, when you're eligible, and how to get what you deserve. When airlines cancel flights, passengers may entitled to compensation or a refund, depending on the circumstances and where the flight is operating. In the European Union, Regulation EC 261 sets out clear rules for compensation and care, while in the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) focuses primarily on refunds rather than direct monetary compensation. If you're flying from the EU, or on an EU-based airline arriving in the EU, you're covered by EC 261. This regulation requires airlines to compensate passengers for flight cancellations unless the airline can prove 'extraordinary circumstances' (like severe weather or political unrest) caused the disruption. Flight Distance Compensation (EUR) Up to 1,500 km €250 1,500 km – 3,500 km €400 Over 3,500 km €600 Short-haul flights (under 1,500 km): €250 (under 1,500 km): €250 Medium-haul flights (1,500–3,500 km): €400 (1,500–3,500 km): €400 Long-haul flights (over 3,500 km): €600 The airline must notify you less than 14 days before departure. The cancellation is not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, security risks). You have a confirmed reservation and checked in on time. Refund: If you don't wish to rebook, you're entitled to a full refund of your ticket price. If you don't wish to rebook, you're entitled to a full refund of your ticket price. Care: Airlines must provide meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation (if necessary), and communication while you wait for your alternative flight. Flight delays can also qualify for compensation under EC 261 if your delay meets certain criteria: Delays of 3 hours or more may entitle you to the same compensation as cancellations, provided the airline is responsible for the delay. may entitle you to the same compensation as cancellations, provided the airline is responsible for the delay. The amount depends on the distance of your flight, similar to cancellation compensation. Unlike the EU, the United States does not require airlines to pay cash compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. However: Refunds: If your flight is cancelled, you're entitled to a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket, even for non-refundable fares. If your flight is cancelled, you're entitled to a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket, even for non-refundable fares. Assistance: Many airlines provide meal vouchers, hotel stays, or travel credits as a goodwill gesture, but these are not mandated by law. Gather Documentation: Keep your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline. Contact the Airline: Submit a claim through the airline's website or customer service, referencing EC 261 if applicable. Use a Claims Service: If the process is overwhelming, companies like AirHelp can assist in claiming flight cancellation or flight delay compensation on your behalf. Know the Deadlines: Claims must typically made within a certain time frame after your flight—check local regulations. Airlines are not required to pay compensation if the cancellation or delay was caused by: Severe weather conditions Political instability or security risks Strikes by airport staff (not airline staff) Bird strikes or air traffic control restrictions However, you are still entitled to care and a refund if you choose not to travel. To get compensation for a cancelled flight, first gather your flight documents and proof of cancellation. Contact the airline promptly to request a refund or rebooking and claim compensation if the cancellation was notified less than 14 days before departure and was within the airline's control. You can file a claim directly with the airline or use a service like AirHelp to handle the process on your behalf. Airlines must compensate passengers for cancelled flights under certain conditions, especially within the EU under Regulation EC 261, which mandates compensation if the cancellation is airline-controlled and notified less than 14 days before departure. In the US, airlines are required to provide refunds but are not legally obligated to pay additional compensation, though many offer vouchers or other amenities voluntarily. How to get compensation for a cancelled flight? You can get compensation for a cancelled flight by submitting a claim with the airline, providing proof of your booking and cancellation. If eligible under laws like EC 261, compensation amounts depend on flight distance and timing of cancellation notice. Alternatively, you can use specialized claim companies to negotiate and secure compensation for you, often on a no-win, no-fee basis Key Takeaways EU passengers enjoy some of the world's strongest protections for flight delays and cancellations, with compensation ranging from €250 to €600. enjoy some of the world's strongest protections for flight delays and cancellations, with compensation ranging from €250 to €600. US passengers are entitled to refunds but not mandatory compensation. are entitled to refunds but not mandatory compensation. Always check your eligibility and act quickly to claim what you're owed. Understanding your rights empowers you to navigate the turbulence of travel disruptions with confidence. The next time you face a cancelled or delayed flight, remember: compensation for cancelled flights and flight delay compensation are not just buzzwords—they're your legal rights as a passenger. You might interested in learning more about How To Change Your Name On Delta Airlines Ticket [Expert Guide 2025] Everything You Need to Know About Spirit Airline Reservations Online How to Easily Book Air Tickets Online for Your Next Trip How To Book Delta Airlines Cheap Flights Today [Complete Guide 2025] How Do You Find Cheapest Etihad Airways Flights Online [Expert Guide 2025] TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Independent
22-03-2025
- The Independent
Heathrow airport: What rights do you have to compensation for cancelled flights?
At 3am on Friday 21 May, the order went out: London Heathrow, the busiest airport in Europe, has been shut down all day today – and possibly into the weekend – by a severe fire. At the time, 120 planes were in the sky heading for LHR. Thousands of passengers were diverted, but many more were simply stranded. They may be entitled to care while they wait – but not, as this was beyond the control of airlines, compensation. But your rights depend on where your flight begins and the airline involved. For all flights from the UK and EU airports (as well as those in the wider EEA), European air passengers' rights rules prevail. These were introduced in 2006 and are known as EC261. After Brexit, the UK copied and pasted the same regulations into British law as UK261. The rules were devised to require airlines to do the right thing for their passengers. They specify the care and compensation you can expect when your plane is cancelled or heavily delayed. These rules also apply for flights on EU and British airlines departing from outside the European Union and the UK. A cancellation, or even a delay of hours rather than minutes could trigger the obligation for an airline to provide a hotel room and meals as appropriate. If the airline is to blame – in circumstances other than the Heathrow fire – it will also owe hundreds of pounds in cash. Conversely, when flying on a non-EU/UK carrier from outside Europe. you may just have to put a dismal aviation episode down to expensive experience, and see if your travel insurer can help. These are the key questions and answers. In the UK and Europe, what can I expect if my flight is cancelled or delayed? For delays of under two hours you have no rights (unless a short delay in the UK triggers a missed connection and much later arrival at your final ticketed destination – see below). For longer delays, the airline should provide refreshments as appropriate after a specified length of time. This applies regardless of the cause of the delay. The time at which the duty of care kicks in depends on the distance you are flying: Short flights (up to 1,500km): refreshments after two hours. Mid-haul journeys (1,500 to 3,500km): three hours. Longer trips: four hours. Note that if the airline believes providing the care would further delay the flight, it need not deliver. If the delay extends overnight, the airline is obliged to find and pay for a hotel room. In practice, carriers often say, 'too difficult', and invite the passenger to book their own and reclaim later. While this practice does not comply fully with the rules, aviation authorities tend to turn a blind eye to it. My flight from an airport outside the UK or EU is cancelled. What am I entitled to? If you are booked on a UK or EU airline you have full rights as above. On any other airline, you have none – though in practice a reputable airline will provide meals and accommodation as appropriate. Some travel insurance policies will help meet expenses that cannot be claimed back elsewhere, and may pay a modest amount of flight delay compensation. It's no longer worth going. Can I cancel and get my money back? If your flight is cancelled, and you decide not to travel, you should get money back within a week. How do I qualify for a cash payout? If you are flying from a UK/EU airport or on a British/ European airline and have your flight cancelled – or are delayed in arrival by at least three hours – the presumption is that you are owed hundreds of pounds in compensation. The payment depends on distance: Under 1,500km, for example London to Nice: £220 or €250 1,500-3,500km, such as Manchester-Malaga: £350 or €400 Above 3,500km, eg Birmingham- Dubai: £520 or €600. If a long-haul arrival delay is between three and four hours, the compensation is halved. The only way the airline can avoid paying out is by demonstrating 'extraordinary circumstances' were responsible. Define 'extraordinary circumstances'? The rules provide only a partial answer: 'political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes'. Court cases have gradually refined the concept of 'extraordinary circumstances' to exclude technical problems. In other words: if a mechanical failure caused the delay, you are due compensation. A judge ruled such issues are 'inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier'. Official strikes by the airline's own staff are regarded as within the carrier's control, but oddly 'wildcat' walkouts not sanctioned by a trade union are not. Crew sickness is a grey area, with no legal certainty. Ryanair says: 'Only a small number of claims will be eligible for compensation. Most delays/cancellations are out of Ryanair's control.' How do I claim? Each airline should enable you to fill out an online form, but these are sometimes difficult to track down. The pages for three leading airlines are here: 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. For example, an airline might offer a 30 per cent uplift if you accept vouchers that are valid for a year – so a choice between £350 in cash or £455-worth of flights. What if I have a justifiable claim but it is turned down? One course of action is alternative dispute resolution, but The Independent has serious reservations about some of the decisions of these arbiters. Writing a Letter Before Action – warning that you will go to Money Claim Online if you do not get a positive response within two weeks – is worth trying, so long as you follow through. For a £350 claim the fee is £50, which is refunded if you win. Since Brexit UK citizens no longer have access to the European Small Claims Procedure, so if you are chasing compensation on a flight originating in the EU it might be easiest to go through a claims handler. One such firm is AirHelp, but be warned that the company will keep between 35 and 50 per cent of any payout (the higher amount if court action is involved). My flight was an hour late departing, but I missed a tight connection If you arrive at your final ticketed destination three hours or more late, you are still in line for compensation – as long as the cause was down to the airline. For example, in 2018 I flew on British Airways from Heathrow to Moscow for an onward connection to Volgograd on the Russian airline S7. The plane was an hour late leaving London because of overrunning engineering work. I missed the connection in Moscow and arrived five hours behind schedule at Volgograd. BA paid delay compensation without a fuss; the issue of meals was easily solved because S7 sent me to the business lounge to wait. It is notable that in the CAA delay figures for 2023, almost all the airlines that are largely feeding 'hub' airports did better than the average: Air France, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways all outplayed easyJet and Ryanair in getting planes away on time. They have a strong incentive for punctuality, with connections sometimes less than an hour and the penalty for messing up so high.
