The body responsible for overseeing flights in the UK has issued information on passengers’ rights as more than 1,000 flights were cancelled due to Storm Eowyn. Strong winds and rain have caused havoc, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Aviation analytics company Cirium said by 1pm some 1,124 flights scheduled to operate to, from or between the the UK and Ireland’s airports were axed. That is equivalent to 20% of all flights, affecting around 150,000 passengers.
Dublin was the worst affected airport in terms of cancellations, with 120 departures and 110 arrivals. That was followed by Edinburgh (85 departures, 80 arrivals), Heathrow (51 departures, 62 arrivals) and Glasgow (44 departures, 43 arrivals).
A spokesperson from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Storm Eowyn is likely to bring considerable disruption to many looking to fly from UK airports today. If a flight faces lengthy delays, airlines have a duty of care to look after their passengers, including providing food and drink, and accommodation if overnight. We will not hesitate to take action against any airlines not following these guidelines.”
The CAA has guidance on cancellations and flight disruption published on its website and social media channels: www.caa.co.uk/KnowBeforeYouGo
It said: “If your flight is significantly delayed, the airline is responsible for looking after you. They should provide meals and accommodation if necessary.
“In case of cancellation, the airline must offer you a refund or alternative travel arrangements. Airlines should proactively provide passengers with information about their rights when flights are disrupted.
“Compensation may not be payable if an airline can prove the delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, which may include extreme weather that affects the safe operation of the flight.”
Hundreds of passengers also spent hours on flights which returned to their points of departure after being unable to land at their planned destinations. Ryanair flight RK596 from Stansted, Essex, to Edinburgh reached the Scottish capital’s airport but could not touch down safely.
After circling over the Borders it returned to Stansted, landing two hours and 44 minutes after taking off. Online systems initially showed the flight was diverting to Cologne, Germany.
Passengers onboard Ryanair flight FR338 from Luton to Dublin are enduring a similar experience. The plane took off from the Bedfordshire airport at 9.33am, and is scheduled to land back there at 12.24pm after reaching the Irish capital but being unable to touch down.
A Ryanair spokesperson said: “A small number of flights to/from the UK today are experiencing disruptions due to Storm Eowyn. We are advising passengers who have been affected by the storm to check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight. Ryanair sincerely apologises to all passengers affected by these storm-related disruptions, which are entirely beyond our control and have impacted all airlines operating to/from the UK.”