Simon Calder explains passenger rights after BA and easyJet cancel flights

Simon Calder has warned British Airways (BA) and easyJet passengers that they 'will not be getting any cash' after thousands saw their flights cancelled over the weekend. Hundreds of flights were disrupted after thunderstorms, with Heathrow and Gatwick badly affected.

Saturday alone saw more than 900 inbound and outbound flights delayed - some for up to 11 hours - and dozens cancelled. South-East England and North-West Europe were particularly badly affected.

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Travel expert Mr Calder said the issue had left roughly 40,000 passengers 'stranded'. He explained what happens to passengers if their flights are delayed or cancelled, and exactly what the airline has to do for them.

Mr Calder said: "It has been a miserable Saturday for 30,000 or more passengers on British Airways to and from London Heathrow and EasyJet in and out of Gatwick. The reason? Thunderstorms in the London area have caused air traffic control restrictions, and as those airports are operating at full stretch, especially on Saturdays in summer, unfortunately there's no slack in the system, and the biggest airlines at those airports have no option but to cancel flights.

200+ flights cancelled today on British Airways to/from Heathrow and on easyJet to/from Gatwick
35,000 passengers stranded.
Under air passengers’ rights rules, they are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline, plus meals/hotels as appropriate. pic.twitter.com/qeWucIceCW

"BA's cancelled around 100, including an Airbus superjumbo going to and from Los Angeles. EasyJet has cancelled 82, including some really long ones to Hurghada in Egypt and also Antalya in Turkey.

"Under air passenger rights rules, the airline must get you to your destination as soon as possible, including booking a flight on another airline if necessary. Meanwhile, they have to provide you with hotel accommodation and meals as necessary until they can get you where you need to be. You will not, though, be getting any cash compensation. Good luck, everybody."

Mr Calder continued: "200+ flights cancelled today on British Airways to/from Heathrow and on easyJet to/from Gatwick, with 35,000 passengers stranded.

"Under air passengers’ rights rules, they are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline, plus meals/hotels as appropriate.

"Dozens more flights cancelled on Sunday to and from Heathrow and Gatwick airports by British Airways and easyJet due to poor weather

"(It) follows more than 200 grounded flights on Saturday (and) brings the number of passengers whose flights have been cancelled this weekend to around 40,000."

In an updated statement on Saturday afternoon, NATS said: "Severe thunderstorms across the south east of England and Europe continue to impact flights, and this is expected to continue for the remainder of today and overnight.

"To ensure the safety of the travelling public, aircraft need to avoid affected areas and be spaced further apart, which limits the number of flights that can operate safely.

"We understand disruption is frustrating, but we're working closely with airlines and airports to reduce disruption as much as possible.

"Passengers should continue to contact their airline for the latest information on their flight."