Travel
Travel chaos at major UK airport as ALL flights face cancellations & delays
PASSENGERS at a major UK airport are enduring travel chaos as all flights “face cancellations and delays” after a reported power cut.
Terminals 1 and 2 at Manchester Airport have been brought to a standstill by a power supply problem in the area.
The power is up and running again but passengers face very long queues as security staff clear the backlog.
Holidaymakers who are due to jet off later have been urged to check with their airline before setting off for the airport.
Inbound flights have not yet been delayed or cancelled – but there could be queues at Border Control.
A spokesperson said: “Manchester Airport was affected by a major power cut in the area earlier this morning.
“This has caused widespread disruption, particularly in Terminals 1 and 2.
“A significant number of flights are expected to be delayed or cancelled.
Have you been affected? Email Harry Goodwin: harry.goodwin@the-sun.co.uk
“Passengers due to travel from Terminals 1 or 2 today are advised to contact their airlines for up-to-date information before coming to the airport.
“Passengers due to travel from Terminal 3 should come to the airport as normal unless advised otherwise but could be affected by delays.
“We apologise for any inconvenience and aim to restore normal service as soon as possible.”
Airlines will organise any onward journey for those whose flights are cancelled, it is understood.
Posting on Twitter, passenger Aaron said: “We’ve been stood for over an hour and a half in the same spot.
“We’re still being told that ‘Normal services will resume ASAP’ – our flight leaves at 7.10am.”
Chris said: “Landed at 1am and still waiting on bags, it’s been disgraceful from all involved.”
Another passenger said: “An update on what’s being done to get this mess resolved ASAP would be more useful than apologising for any inconvenience.
“People have been stuck for hours now, everyone in T1 is being very patient but they’re increasingly angry and fed up.”
The chaos at Manchester comes less than a month after passengers at Birmingham Airport queued hours to get through security.
The airport had reportedly been overhauling its security system in time for the summer holidays – sparking half term chaos.
Some passengers were reportedly pulled out of the queues because the gate was closing for their flights.
Last month a nationwide IT glitch sparked Border Control misery at all UK airports.
Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester were among the airports blighted by huge queues due to a Border Control “technical issue”.
Flight compensation rules
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 the “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.
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