While the French air traffic controllers are on strike, Europeans airports still have their own issues to deal with. Expect disruptions at Amsterdam Schiphol, Athens, Santorini, Lisbon Portela, Zurich and Frankfurt am Main.
Why are the European Airports experiencing disruptions?
The French ATC strike started on Wednesday and will continue into Tuesday. Meanwhile, Amsterdam Schiphol is having issues with a new system. Athens and Santorini are suffering disruptions due to capacity issue. Lisbon cites military activity as the culprit. Meanwhile, the weather is playing merry in Switzerland, as Zurich airport reports issues with wind direction. Frankfurt Airport is slowly opening up after a drone sighting grounded flights.
Am I entitled to a delayed flight or cancelled flight compensation?
As always, air passengers suffering from these delayed or cancelled flights should know that they have rights granted to them under Regulation (EC) 261/2004. The airline has to provide you with free meals and drinks. You should also be allowed to make two free calls, use email or send a free fax. If you have to wait for the flight for one or more nights, the carrier has to provide you with free accommodation at a hotel, including transport to/from the airport. In case they’re unable/unwilling to do this, save the receipts: all “rational” expenses (no VIP penthouses, caviar or limos) should be refunded afterwards. Read more about flight compensation.
Unfortunately, all of these airport-side disruptions are considered to be exceptional circumstances as defined by (EC) 261/2004 – which means you can’t claim delayed or cancelled flight compensation! Other rules still apply, so the airlines should still take care of you and once your travel plans are back on track, it might be worth exploring how to get the best Black Friday travel deals to save on future trips.
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