THOUSANDS of people are facing travel chaos today after a major airport closed due to a power outage.
Heathrow Airport in London will remain closed until midnight on Friday due to the outage that followed a fire.
Thousands of passengers have been left without a flight[/caption]
It follows a major fire and power outage in Heathrow Airport[/caption]
Passengers around the world are facing major disruptions as Heathrow Airport has shut down, with more than 1,000 flights in and out of Europe’s busiest airport cancelled.
All flights between Irish airports and Heathrow have also been cancelled because of the power outage.
This includes at least 70 Irish flights to and from Heathrow being impacted in total – including the 34 from Dublin, 14 from Belfast City and eight from Shannon.
And your rights on getting your money back can vary if you are one of the many affected by the flight chaos.
Airlines such as Aer Lingus and British Airways are now working to reroute as many passengers as possible to other airports across the UK.
Some passengers arriving at Dublin Airport are finding their Heathrow flights cancelled upon arrival – and they are now wondering what to do next.
Here, JAMIE SMITH, reveals what passengers can do if their flight has been cancelled.
Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled?
Airlines must offer you a refund or rerouting on the next available flight, or at a later time of your choosing, under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
For passengers who request a refund, the airline should process the refund within seven days of the cancellation of their flight.
This refund must include the cost of your ticket and a return flight to the airport of departure if you have a connecting flight.
If you ask for the next available flight, the airline must offer care and assistance while you are waiting.
If you are re-routed to a different airport in the same city, the airline must pay for your transport to the original airport.
Can I get a refund if my connecting flight is cancelled?
Under EU travel regulations, if your connecting flight was missed due to a delay on your first flight, you are entitled to a return flight to your original departure point.
Although you can choose to request a refund or travel on a flight later than the first available option, the airline is not obligated to provide food, drinks or accommodation.
For passengers who do request a refund, the airline should process the refund within seven days of the cancellation of their flight.
This refund must include the cost of your ticket and a return flight to the airport of departure if you have a connecting flight
If you are on a package holiday and decide not to board your outbound flight, you may forfeit your holiday as well.
It’s recommended that you contact your package organiser or the airline to see how they can refund you.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
Under EU travel regulations, an airline is not required to provide compensation if your flight is canceled due to reasons beyond their control.
Disruptions caused by events like severe weather, strikes by airport or air traffic control staff, or other “extraordinary circumstances” are not eligible for compensation.
While some airlines may attempt to widen the definition of “extraordinary circumstances,” you have the right to challenge this through an aviation regulator, such as the Irish Aviation Authority.
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you’re unable to claim compensation directly from the airline, your travel insurance may offer a refund.
Coverage varies by policy, so it’s important to review the details but under EU travel regulations, delays of eight to 12 hours may make you eligible for compensation from your insurer.
Make sure you get written confirmation of the delay from the airport, as your insurer will require proof.
However if your flight is completely cancelled, your insurance may not cover the costs of your disrupted flight.
How can I find out if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
The best way to check if your flight is cancelled is to visit the website of the airport you’re departing from and look up your flight number.
In response to the Heathrow closure, Ryanair has announced eight rescue flights between Dublin and London Stansted to assist affected passengers.
This includes four flights on Friday and four on Saturday.
Ryanair bosses said: “Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (21 Mar) added up to 8 rescue flights between Dublin and London Stansted, 4 on Friday and 4 on Saturday to rescue passengers affected by today’s Heathrow closure.
“Ryanair will operate 4 extra flights between Dublin and Stansted on Friday afternoon as well as 4 extra flights on Sat morning.
European Consumer Centre Ireland Letter Template[/caption]
Affected passengers can apply for a refund or another flight[/caption]
