THOUSANDS of passengers have had their flights cancelled tomorrow due to a national strike.
Two of Belgium‘s major airports confirmed that all flights are being cancelled.
A national strike in Belgium has seen all flights cancelled tomorrow[/caption]
Brussels South Charleroi Airport – used mainly by Ryanair – will also be cancelling all flights[/caption]
Brussels Airport, the largest in the country, has said all departures will be cancelled tomorrow.
Cancellations are also expected to affect “some arriving flights”.
Belgium’s major airports have cancelled all departing flights on Tuesday (14 October) due to a national strike being held by several unions.
And Brussels South Charleroi Airport – used by Ryanair – said they would “not be able to operate scheduled departures and arrivals” tomorrow.
Passengers are urged to contact their airline for a refund or to be rebooked.
Belgium has as many as 120 flights a day, according to finance experts at Dot Dot Loans .
This means as many as 72 flights to and from the UK will see disruption, affecting nearly 13,000 passengers.
London Heathrow and Manchester Airport are expected to be the worst affected by cancellations.
However, Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Stansted and Edinburgh may also see some flights cancelled as well.
Eurostar is yet to cancel any trains to and from Brussels but has warned passengers to check their travel.
And local public transport such as buses and trams are also expected to be affected.
The national strike is due to industrial action over the plans to change pensions and salaries in Belgium.
Workers are taking industrial action in protest at government plans.
Sadly, any passengers who have their flight cancelled are unlikely to get compensation as it is deemed to be out of the airline’s control.
However, airlines must offer a full refund or an alternative flight, even with another airline.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
More than 13,000 passengers will be affected[/caption]
