A MAJOR airline in Europe has been forced to cancel nearly all of their flights next week.
Brussels Airlines has confirmed that up to 80 per cent of their flights on October 1 have been cancelled.
Brussels Airlines has been forced to cancel 80 per cent of their flights next week[/caption]
Staff are walking out at Brussels Airport[/caption]
The cancellations are due to strike action taking place at Brussels Airport, the largest in Belgium.
Security staff are walking out in a national strike.
Of the 203 flights scheduled for the day, this means more than 160 have been cancelled.
While the majority will be flights across mainland Europe, a number of UK flights will also be cancelled when heading to Brussels.
Flights affected will include a 12:20pm flight from Edinburgh, as well as three from London Heathrow at 6:50am, 11:05am and 5:50pm.
Two from Manchester Airport will also be affected – the 6:05am and 11:10am.
This will see hundreds of passengers have their flights cancelled when flying from the UK.
Anyone affected will be offered alternative flights on an earlier or later departure date.
A statement on the airline’s website says: “We regret to inform you that the Belgian unions representing amongst others the security staff at the airport have announced a national manifestation in Brussels on October 1st, herewith impacting the operations at Brussels Airport.”
The airport has also warned of the “major impact” it will have on passengers.
An airport management spokesperson said: “Due to the national demonstration on Tuesday 1 October and the announced strike of a large number of employees of the external security service provider, Brussels Airport expects a major impact on airport operations on that day.
“In order to avoid long waiting times at security control, airlines have decided, in consultation with Brussels Airport, to cancel or change a large number of flights departing on 1 October.”
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor previously offered advice on what to do if your flight is cancelled.
He said: “In the event of airline crew striking as opposed to, for example, a national strike, passengers may be entitled to up to £520 each, this is relative to the length of the delay and the distance.
“Airlines are also obliged to arrange alternative transportation to your intended destination, this can be a flight with another airline.
“If you have a long wait at the airport, the airline must provide you with refreshments proportional to the waiting time and, where applicable, overnight accommodation.
“If your flight is delayed more than five hours, you can cancel your flight and claim back the ticket price.”
He finished by saying: “Finally, you can use a flight compensation calculator to figure out how much you might be owed.”
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.
Brits heading to Brussels will be affected by the cancellations[/caption]
