Thousands of passengers affected by flight cancellations at two of the UK's major airports

Thousands of passengers have been affected by flight cancellations and delays at the UK’s two busiest airports between last night and this morning.

EasyJet has grounded 32 flights at London Gatwick so far today, while British Airways has been forced to cancel the same number of flights from London Heathrow.

British Airways has been forced to cancel 32 flights from London HeathrowCredit: PA

EasyJet has had to cancel 32 flights from London GatwickCredits: Getty

The disruption affected thousands of passengers at both airportsCredits: AP

Air traffic control (ATC) issues and bad weather are both responsible for travel disruptions.

Lines to Spain, Italy and Hungary were affected, as well as domestic flights.

Passengers affected by the cancellations are unlikely to receive any compensation, with easyJet advising them that it is an “extraordinary circumstance” beyond the airline’s control.

Messages sent to affected passengers read: “We are sorry that your flight has been cancelled. This is due to air traffic control restrictions.”

Learn more about travel disruptions

“The disruption to your flight is beyond our control and is considered an extraordinary circumstance.”

Airlines are generally not required to issue a refund if a flight is cancelled for reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions.

Flights cancelled due to strikes by airport or air traffic control workers, or other “extraordinary circumstances,” are also generally not eligible for compensation.

British Airways’ situation is even worse: two of its planes had to be taken out of service for safety checks after being struck by lightning yesterday.

A spokesperson told Sun Travel: “Due to air traffic control restrictions and adverse weather conditions, like other airlines, we have had to make some changes to our schedule.

“We know this will be frustrating for our customers and our teams are working hard to offer them alternative flights as soon as possible, with the vast majority already booked on flights that will fly later today.”

Flight Canceled or Delayed? Tips for Dealing with Travel Disruptions

An easyJet spokesperson said: “easyJet operated around 1,800 flights yesterday and is operating a similar number today, but some flights last night and three flights from London Gatwick this morning were unfortunately disrupted due to the impact of yesterday’s adverse weather conditions and air traffic control delays.

“While this is beyond our control, we apologize for the inconvenience and are offering affected customers hotel accommodation and meals as well as a refund or transfer to an alternative flight.”

Frustrated passengers took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their anger over their cancellations.

Someone wrote: “So British Airways cancelled my return flight from Rome to London due to ‘bad weather’, but I later realised the plane had instead flown to Ibiza and returned to London with exactly the same departure times.

Flight compensation rules

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines must pay compensation if your flight arrives at your destination more than three hours late.

If you are flying to or from the UK, your airline must allow you to choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you have not yet used.

So, if you have booked a return flight and the outbound flight is cancelled, you can get a full refund of the return ticket price.

But if the trip is essential, your airline must find you a replacement flight. It may even be another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline is not required to refund you if the flight was cancelled for reasons beyond its control, such as extreme weather conditions.

Disruptions caused by factors such as extreme weather, strikes by airport or air traffic control workers or other “extraordinary circumstances” are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may extend the definition of ‘extraordinary circumstances’, but you can challenge this with 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 from the airline, your travel insurance may reimburse you.

Policies vary, so you need to check the small print, but a delay of eight to twelve hours will normally mean you’ll be entitled to 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 completely cancelled, it is unlikely that you will be covered by your insurance.

“What’s the logic? More expensive passengers who can’t be disappointed?”

Another contacted BA saying: “It’s very kind of you to cancel my flight today from Copenhagen. Especially sending an email at 2.30am. The only way back now is via Norway and that costs £500 one way.”

A third contacted easyJet saying: “I’m stuck at Gatwick airport, been here for hours, flight was cancelled, spent 3 hours trying to contact you.”

Another added: “I was going to London this morning to see my family and easyJet cancelled my flight at 5:30am.

“The alternative flights were either too expensive (on purpose) or unsuitable. I will never fly with these opportunists again.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair has also apologised to passengers for delays at the airports where it operates, with hundreds of other flights across Europe affected.

They say the shortage of ATC staff is creating problems for all European airlines.

In a statement on its website, the airline said: “Ryanair apologises to its passengers for the excessive flight delays caused today by the European ATC staff shortages, which are affecting all European airlines.

“ATC services, which benefited from the absence of disruption from the French air traffic controllers’ strike this summer, continue to underperform with repeated “staff shortages.”

“We apologise to our passengers for these repeated delays at air traffic control which are deeply regrettable but beyond Ryanair’s control.”

Air traffic control problems have already affected flights this summer, with more than 60 Ryanair trips cancelled last weekend and more than 150 delayed.

Wizz Air was also forced to cancel several flights for the same reason.

Last week, passengers were also told to expect more problems later this month, with air traffic control strikes expected to take place in Italy.

Employees at Milan Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio airports are expected to strike on July 21 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, there is good news for those using Gatwick Airport: strikes planned for the end of the month have been delayed.

Strikes by Gatwick baggage security staff have been postponed following an improved pay offer, according to union Unite.

The workers, who are employed by ICTS, have agreed to cancel all industrial action planned for July 12-14 and July 19-21 while they decide on the offer.

If it is rejected, a new industrial action will be scheduled.

Strikes by workers providing special assistance services to vulnerable passengers are still expected to continue on the same dates.

And here’s how to get your money back if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

Affected travellers may not be able to claim compensationCredit: PA