Budget airline, Flybe has hit the headlines again following the decision to cancel more than 20 of its scheduled flights today. Passengers due to travel with the airline were told of the decision via text message and email.
Six of the UKs airports, including; Manchester, Belfast City and Edinburgh have been affected. Delays and disruptions are thought to continue for the rest of the day as Flybe attempts to deal with the chaos.
The airline is blaming ‘operational reasons’ for the cancellations.
Passengers that were due to travel with the airline will be entitled to compensation under EU rulings and Flybe has a duty of care to arrange alternative flights for affected passengers.
Flybe, who’s summer schedule started just this week, was financially rescued last month by Virgin Atlantic, Stobart Air and the Cyprus capital hedge fund.
Passengers who were heading abroad and are no longer able to participate in pre-paid activities due to the disruption should check their travel insurance policy and some insurers will offer to cover any losses related to pre-paid, non-refundable excursions.
Accommodation and car hire companies may also need to be contacted if passengers are unable to reach their destination by their original arrival date. Some travel insurers will allow you to claim for the unused days should you be unable to get a refund from the accommodation or car hire providers, but this cover isn’t routinely available so check your policy carefully before submitting a claim.
With the announcement of WOW air and Icelandic Airline going in administration last week, holidaymakers looking to get away for Easter should look at the additional protection offered by their travel insurance. There are a few travel insurance policies that will offer to cover for scheduled airline failure if the airline goes into liquidation, and some policies will offer this as an extension for an additional premium. This cover will not be valid if purchased after the liquidation was announced.
