UK flight delays today: What to do if your flight has been delayed by air traffic control issues

Lots of of hundreds of passengers face main flight delays and cancellations after a technical concern hit UK air traffic control programs on Financial institution Vacation Monday.

The Nationwide Air Traffic Companies (NATS) stated the difficulty was fastened late on Monday afternoon however passengers have been warned of knock-on delays, with some anticipated to be held up by up to 12 hours.

Nationwide Air Traffic Companies (NATS) stated it had suffered a “technical concern” and subsequently put traffic movement restrictions in place to keep security.

The reason for the delays was a difficulty with processing flight plans which meant it had to be performed manually, NATS stated in a press release.

Despite the fact that the difficulty is resolved, the disruption thus far to schedules means lengthy delays and cancellations will proceed for a minimum of the remainder of the day.

Greater than 500 UK flights have been cancelled thus far, in accordance to the newest knowledge.

What ought to I do if I want to catch a flight from the UK as we speak?

Airports and airways are at present advising passengers to verify the standing of their flight earlier than travelling, which may be discovered on the airline’s web site.

For those who’re already on the airport, passengers are instructed to preserve checking the boards for updates in addition to airline web sites.

For these taking short-haul flights, British Airways has suggested passengers not to journey to the airport earlier than checking the flight’s standing on-line as it could now not be working.

Airways Ryanair and Aer Lingus have stated this case is “past their control,” however have issued an apology to affected clients.

Simon Calder, The Unbiased’s Journey Correspondent, instructed passengers to “be ready for delays and disruption.”

Will I obtain compensation if my flight is delayed?

Any disruption induced by “extraordinary circumstances,” means you aren’t eligible for compensation.

This contains issues like airport or air traffic control worker strikes, unhealthy climate or every other “extraordinary circumstances.”

For flights underneath UK regulation, passengers are entitled to a refund or different flight, in addition to refreshments and lodging if the flight is delayed in a single day.

UK Civil Aviation Authority advises passengers to preserve each receipt and never to spend greater than is cheap.

You might be solely entitled to compensation if the cancellation is the airline’s duty.

Ought to I be apprehensive about planes within the air?

The technical concern poses no threat to security as all plane have “contingency gas” which they’ll use if made to divert to a unique airport, says Simon Calder.

The Nationwide Air Traffic Companies has utilized traffic movement restrictions to keep security.

What number of flights are being cancelled?

Aviation knowledge firm Cirium reported 8 per cent of all departures, from UK airports have been cancelled thus far – that’s 232 flights.

There have been 271 cancellations of arrivals to UK airports, which makes up 9 per cent of arrivals.

This knowledge doesn’t take into consideration flights which can be delayed, Cirium provides.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Your airline has to allow you to select between a refund or an alternate flight if your flight is roofed by UK regulation, no matter when the cancellation is introduced.

You might be additionally entitled to refreshments if you’re caught on the airport for a protracted period of time.

Ryanair stated in a press release: “All affected passengers will likely be notified of their choices to change flights (freed from cost) to one other Ryanair flight or obtain a full refund.”