Latest news with #traveldisruptions
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Brit travel strike warning: 17 airports across Spain and Portugal face flight chaos this month
THERE'S bad news on the horizon for holidaymakers heading to Spain and Portugal in August with lots of planned strike action. Across 12 airports in Spain and as many as five in Portugal there's planned industrial action that could result in delayed and cancelled flights for Brits heading abroad this summer. 4 Throughout August, there's lots of planned strike action that could result in many flights being delayed or even cancelled. In Spain, more than 3,000 workers are set to strike with industrial action starting on the weekend of August 15, 2025. The strike will be across three time periods each day from 5am to 9am, 12pm to 3pm, and 9pm to 11:59pm. The action will then continue each week on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of December. Airports that will be affected are Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza and Majorca as well as Girona, Tenerife South, Lanzarote and Santiago de Compostela. With the strikes yet to begin, it's unclear how much disruption there will be. However, it's likely walk-outs by Azul Handling will affect some Ryanair flights as it is its handling subsidiary. However a spokesperson for Ryanair said: 'Ryanair does not expect any disruption to our operation as a result of these third-party handling strikes in Spain.' Flight cancelled or delayed? Top tips for handling travel disruptions 4 Flights to and from destinations in Portugal will also be affected. The strike action began at the end of July and will continue until the end of August. Staff who are walking out include the staff working in baggage handling, aircraft servicing and at check-in desks. The industrial action is taking place every week from Friday to Monday until September 1, 2025. So far, the strike action has resulted in delays and cancellations across Portuguese airports including Lisbon, Faro, and Porto Santo. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has recently updated its travel advice before the strike. It read: "Industrial action by baggage handlers at Portuguese airports from Friday to Monday during July and August may cause delays. "If you are travelling over this period, check for announcements and follow the advice of your airline or tour operator." Other airports in Portugal that are affected include Madeira and the Azores. 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. Read more on the international 'London' airport that is 3,285 miles from the UK – and no flights to the English city. And check out the rival to world's biggest airport to cost £23.6billion – with 260million passengers and direct UK flights. 4
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Brits face being banned from their flights when new Europe visa launches due to confusing new rules
THE introduction of the new entry system into Europe is looming for British travellers, and for anyone who is not prepared, there could be consequences. Travel insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket are urging British holidaymakers to prepare for changes that could result in delays and even denied entry. Soon, UK travellers will face the EU's new entry-exit system (EES) at the border with a new visa system, ETIAS, being introduced next year. The system will be introduced on October 12, 2025 with countries phasing in the new system right up to April 9, 2026. ETIAS will be a travel requirement for Brits visiting 30 European countries, most of those in the Schengen Area. For anyone not prepared for the upcoming changes, an expert at MoneySuperMarket has said it could cause serious travel disruptions. Expert Alicia Hempsted has some of the biggest warnings to British travellers with some pitfalls falling outside the scope of basic travel insurance policies. The first way travellers could be caught out is if their journey has a layover - even if they are only travelling through Europe to a non-EU country. Alicia explained: "A layover in a Schengen Area country could still mean that you need an ETIAS if you're looking to leave the airport on your stopover. "If travellers aren't aware of this, they could find themselves unexpectedly held up or denied entry.' The Schengen Area is made up of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and border controls at their shared borders. So if you're travelling to a non-European or Schengen Area country but are stopping to pass through, you might still need an ETIAS, although this is yet to be officially confirmed. The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying 4 With the ETIAS being similar to America's ESTA - which is required for layovers - it is likely to also be needed. Anyone with a criminal conviction from the past 10 years will need to declare it in a ETIAS application. Alicia warned that "providing false or incomplete information can lead to instant refusal, as authorities cross-check details against security databases." Anyone sentenced to more than three years in prison, or convicted of trafficking or drug offences with over two years' jail time, will be declined. And being turned away at the border for this reason won't usually qualify for a travel insurance payout. Sadly, there have been reports of ETIAS scam websites that are already live. Going to these can put holidaymakers at risk of both turned away from the country as well as credit card and even identity theft. The Sun's Head of Travel explains what the EES means for you THE Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot has explained everything you need to know about the upcoming EES. The looming introduction of the long-delayed European Entry Exit System could lead to yet more pain for passengers leaving the UK. The new system - designed to strengthen the European borders - will require every passenger to have their biometrics recorded. Every traveller will have to scan their passport and have a facial biometric before providing prints from the four fingers on their right hand. Children under 12 will have to do the biometric but will not have to have their fingerprints taken. All will then have to answer four questions about their reason for travel. Both fingerprints and facial biometrics will be required the first time a traveller uses the system, and then just one of the two for every subsequent trip. Then every three years you'll be expected to go through the full process again. While airports across Europe have the space to add this additional process it is still going to add a huge amount of extra time to the customs checks. Although it will remove the need to have stamps in your passport, everything will still need to be checked either by a border officer or an e-gate. Where things could get really bad are at ports like Dover - where there are significant space constraints and multiple individuals will be travelling together in cars and coaches. Both Eurostar and Le Shuttle have invested millions in new facilities to process passengers but it is almost inevitable that the first few months of the system could lead to lengthy delays as we all get used to the new system. Travel insurance won't cover losses from applying through a scam site, but it can offer protection if your trip is disrupted as a result. Alicia has suggested that travellers should consider insurance before travelling. Insurance policies start from £2.12 and offer protection against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage. EES will be an automated system for registering travellers from non-EU countries when they cross the EU's external borders. The scheme is being introduced to digitise border crossings across the Schengen Area. Alongside this, the ETIAS is a new travel requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries who plan to visit the Schengen Area in Europe. Brits will need to apply for these when the system is rolled out between October and December 2026. Set to cost €7 and last three years, there are fears it could rise to €20 to recoup EU costs. Here are the passport rules you need to know now to stop your summer holidays being ruined. Plus, Brits face new £185 visa fee when visiting the US under new rules. 4
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Travel disruptions and 'danger to life' expected as UK braces for Storm Floris
Storm Floris is expected to cause severe travel disruptions on Monday (August 4) as weather warnings in some parts of the UK have been upgraded to amber. Brits are being warned to brace for "unusually" windy weather on Monday, as Storm Floris could cause: Damage to buildings Injuries and danger to life from flying debris Power cuts and disruptions to other services (such as mobile phone coverage) Injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties Closures of roads and bridges Disruptions to road, rail, air and ferry services, with longer journey times and cancellations possible A Met Office spokesperson said: "Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually windy weather for the time of year across the northern half of the UK on Monday. "The highest winds are expected across Scotland between late morning and early evening. In some areas high winds will be accompanied by heavy rain. "Wind will then slowly start to ease from the west later." Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August. January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent. Weather warnings upgraded to amber in Scotland A yellow warning for wind had already been issued for northern parts of the UK from 6am on Monday to 6am on Tuesday (August 5). But these have been upgraded to amber for most of Scotland, with the new warnings set to be in place from 10am to 10pm (on Monday). What different Met Office weather warnings mean Winds of up to 90mph have been forecast for some areas of Scotland. Weather warnings are in place across Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. You can see full details about the storm warnings in place for Storm Floris on the Met Office website. Travel disruptions expected on Monday due to Storm Floris These unusually windy conditions caused by Storm Floris are expected to cause power outages, damage to buildings, and could even pose a "danger to life" due to flying debris and large waves. UK residents are also being warned to expect travel disruptions on Monday due to the blustery conditions. National Rail said stormy weather can severely impact railway journeys, resulting in delays and cancellations. It added: "It is likely that speed restrictions will be in place and your journey may take longer." Disruptions to road, air and ferry services are also expected. Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. 'Disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Monday August 4 due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast,' it posted on X (formerly Twitter). Meanwhile, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed highland and coastal routes. Rod Dennis, from the RAC breakdown service, said: 'This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week. 'It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured.' RECOMMENDED READING: Met Office names Storm Floris as parts of UK to see heavy rain and strong winds Met Office reveals storm names for 2024/25 - Ashley, Bert, Wren see full list The 9 things you need to do to protect your home during storms While Shaun Jones, from the AA, added: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.'
Malay Mail
28-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Aeroflot cancels over 40 flights after tech failure sparks airport chaos
LONDON, July 28 — Russian airline Aeroflot cancelled dozens of flights on Monday after what it called a failure in its information systems. The national carrier did not provide further details about the cause of the problem or how long it would take to resolve. Since Russia launched the warin Ukraine in February 2022, travellers in Russia have become accustomed to flight disruptions. However, those delays have usually been caused by temporary airport closures after drone attacks. Aeroflot said that 'specialists are currently working to minimize the impact on the flight schedule and to restore normal service operations'. On Telegram, it listed more than 40 cancelled flights to destinations across Russia, as well as to the Belarusian capital Minsk and the Armenian capital Yerevan. Aeroflot urged passengers whose flights from Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport had been cancelled to retrieve their checked-in luggage and leave. News outlet Baza reported scenes of chaos at the airport, with logjams forming as passengers queued just to get out. Aeroflot, which despite sanctions imposed on Russia for its war in Ukraine that have drastically limited travel and routes, remains among the top 20 airlines worldwide by passenger numbers. In 2024, passenger traffic of the Aeroflot Group reached 55.3 million passengers, according to a statement on the airline's website. — Reuters
CTV News
04-07-2025
- CTV News
A strike by air traffic controllers is disrupting travel to, from and over France
A departures information board is seen at Orly airport, near Paris, as French air traffic controllers launched a two-day strike to demand better working conditions, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) PARIS — About 40 per cent of flights were cancelled Friday at all Paris airports and tens of thousands of passengers were rearranging plans at the height of the summer travel season because of a strike by French air traffic controllers seeking better working conditions. Disruptions started hitting airports around France on Thursday and intensified Friday. The national civil aviation authority asked airlines to cancel 40 per cent of flights Friday at Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais airports serving Paris, half of flights in Nice and 30 per cent of flights in Marseille, Lyon and some other cities. Despite the preventive cancelations, the authority warned in a statement that ″disruptions and long delays are to be expected at all French airports.' Ryanair was among airlines that announced widespread disruptions, saying in a statement it cancelled more than 400 flights affecting 70,000 passengers. The company said the strike affects all its flights over French airspace, as well as traffic in and out of French airports, and urged the European Union to reform air traffic rules. One of the two unions leading the strike, UNSA-ICNA, said in a statement there are not enough employees to handle surging air travel and that inflation is eating away at salaries. The unions also are protesting new reform measures aiming to more tightly monitor their work, prompted by a near-collision at the Bordeaux airport. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot called the union demands — and their decision to strike just as French schools close for the summer and many families head on vacation — ″unacceptable.″ The Associated Press
