UK Bank Travel Chaos: Passenger Rights Caused By A Technical Glitch |

UK Bank Travel Chaos: Passenger Rights Caused By A Technical Glitch

Hundreds of flights to and from the United Kingdom have been delayed or cancelled after a technical failure in the UK air traffic control systems on 28 August 2023.

Although the technical issue has been resolved, many planes and crews will be in the wrong places so there will be ongoing issues with flight schedules.

The failure saw passengers stranded abroad and in the UK, having to find alternative routes home. Passengers due to fly in and out of the UK should continue to check the airline's website, apps and other media channels for the latest advisory.

As a passenger caught in the whirlwind of these disrupted flights, know that you hold certain rights.

The following advice applies to flights:

departing from an airport in the UK on any airline
arriving at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline
arriving at an airport in the EU on a UK airline

Compensations Due to Delayed Flights

As the air traffic control failure is regarded as an “extraordinary circumstance” and is not the airline's fault, it is rare for passengers to be given financial compensation. However, passengers are entitled to certain assistance for the duration of the delay.

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stipulates that if your flight is “significantly delayed” airlines must provide:

A reasonable amount of food and drink (often provided in the form of vouchers)
A means for you to communicate (often by refunding the cost of your calls)
Accommodation, if you are rerouted the next day (usually in a nearby hotel)
Transport to and from the accommodation (or your home, if you are able to return there)

The CAA explains that “The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it.”

Compensations Due to Cancelled Flights

If your flight is cancelled, you have the right to choose between a refund or a new flight. Passengers will usually be asked which option they want to go for when the airline contacts them to say the flight is cancelled.

While you wait for your flight, for instance, if you decide to wait at the airport for the next available flight, the airline must provide:

A reasonable amount of food and drink (often provided in the form of vouchers)
A means for you to communicate (often by refunding the cost of your calls)
Accommodation, if you are rerouted the next day (usually in a nearby hotel)
Transport to and from the accommodation (or your home, if you are able to return there)

The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it.

For more details on compensation and passenger rights, check the CAA website.

Have you ever had a flight delayed or cancelled? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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