What Gatwick passengers need to know about compensation after flight disruption
Passengers affected by widespread air traffic control disruption have been warned they may not be entitled to compensation for delayed or cancelled flights.
Issues with the UK's air traffic control system have caused delays and disruption at airports – including Gatwick and Heathrow.
MoneySuperMarket has issued guidance to travellers affected by the disruption, including advice on compensation and travel insurance.
Travel insurance expert Alicia Hempsted said passengers were only entitled to compensation in certain circumstances.
She said: “Under current rules, you are only entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed for more than 3 hours and if the airline was at fault.”
Ms Hempsted said this did not cover circumstances outside an airline's control.
She said: “However, this does not include things that are outside of the airline’s control - for example, a security risk, bad weather conditions, or, in this case, a technical issue.”
Travellers can challenge an airline's decision through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), according to Ms Hempsted.
The insurance expert added: “While travellers can challenge the airline’s definition of extraordinary circumstances through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), it’s highly unlikely that an unprecedented technical issue with air traffic control would qualify.
“It is still worth speaking with your airline representative, as some airlines may be able to provide vouchers for items such as food and drink at their discretion.”
She advised affected travellers to consider making a claim through their travel insurance rather than relying on airline compensation.
She also warned that travel insurance policies vary and passengers should check whether they have appropriate cover.
Ms Hempsted said: “If your policy includes travel disruption cover, then it may be possible to claim for disruption or financial losses incurred as a result of your trip being delayed or cancelled.”
“It’s worth noting that not all policies cover this as standard, and cover levels, conditions, and exclusions can vary between providers, so it's important to check with your insurer first to understand what support may be available.”
She advised passengers whose travel plans have been affected to check their policy documents, to ‘understand what could be covered’.
Travellers were also advised to keep evidence of any additional costs.