A MAJOR airport has been forced to cancel all departing flights today.
Brussels South Charleroi confirmed the cancellations due to ongoing strike action, affecting around 16,000 passengers.
A number of Ryanair flights have been cancelled today[/caption]
While arrivals will be unaffected, all departing flights will no longer go ahead.
Ryanair is one of the major airlines to use the airport, and has said passengers will be rerouted or refunded.
Hundreds of Brits are expected to be caught up in the strike with the following departures cancelled today:
- FR5328 12:30pm to Manchester
- FR7323 2:35pm to Edinburgh
- FR3223 6:25pm to Manchester
- FR3239 8:55pm to Manchester
A statement on their website said: “Due to another security staff strike at Brussels South Charleroi (CRL) Airport, we have been forced to cancel a number of flights departing this airport on Tues 22 Oct.
“Flights arriving in Brussels South Charleroi are unaffected by the strike and will operate as scheduled.
“Passengers affected by these cancellations have been notified of their options of reroute or refund via email.”
They apologised for the inconvenience that was “out of their control”.
Flights departing the UK from Edinburgh and Manchester for the airport are expected to still go ahead.
Other airlines that fly to the airport include Wizz Air and Pegasus although UK passengers will not be affected by these cancellations.
Some of these flights are instead being diverted to Brussels Airport, around 45 miles away.
Brussels Charleroi said on their website: “Passengers scheduled to depart on this day will be contacted by their respective airlines within the next few hours to either rebook their flights or request a refund.”
Normal operations are hoping to go ahead as planned from tomorrow.
The strike, conducted by the airport’s security staff, is the third strike in the last two months.
The walkout is due to requests to improve staff working conditions.
It’s not the only flight cancellations that have affected Brits in recent weeks.
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.
Last Saturday, dozens of flights were cancelled in the UK due to Storm Ashley, affecting airports such as Leeds and Belfast.
And earlier this month, all flights to and from Florida were cancelled due to Hurricane Milton.
Brussels Charleroi Airport is mainly used by Ryanair[/caption]
