Stockholm’s Arlanda Experiences Flight Disruptions Due To Power Outage

Stockholm Arlanda

Power cut at #Arlanda – no departures possible as Captain of our flight reports there is no radar – possible delays of up to two hours.

— Daniel Pashley 🇺🇦 (@eurodan) March 21, 2019

As people caught in the airport report, there has been a power outage. This is apparently affecting such vital infrastructure as ATC radar, which leads to flights getting delayed or cancelled. Naturally, it’s the duty of the flight captain to decide such things.

As always, air passengers affected by this disruption have all the usual rights granted to them under Regulation (EC) 261/2004. For delays lasting more than two hours, the airline has to provide you with free meals and drinks. You should also be allowed to make two free calls, use e-mail 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.

Unfortunately, power outages or other issues with the operation airport are one of the exceptional circumstances as defined by (EC) 261/2004 – which means you can’t claim disrupted flight compensation! Other rules still apply, so the airlines should still take care of you.

The kind of situation in Arlanda today is uncommon. Airport operations – and thus flights – are usually disrupted by weather or strikes. Of course, sometimes even a cancelled flight might to delayed flights with other airlines.

 

Related articles:

The Most Disruptive Aviation Strikes In 2019

When Is A Flight Disruption The Airline’s Fault?

Flights in Findland and Italy Disrupted Due to Strikes

Summer Holidays Ruined By Flight Disruptions? Reclaim Them In Autumn

European Passenger Rights Are Valid in Canada: Claim a Compensation for a Disrupted Flight