More airport strikes to cause ‘significant disruption’ next month
MORE airport staff are set to walk out next month, over a disagreement over pay.
Around 300 Gatwick staff who work on security screening and passenger services have confirmed the walkout.
The walkout is take place across two separate weekends in July.
Both sets of workers, who rejected pay offers, will walkout from July 12-14 to July 19-21.
About 300 Gatwick security screeners and passenger services staff will strike over pay next month.
The Unite union said the strikes will cause “significant disruption” across both services.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “These workers undertake incredibly demanding roles at one of the UK’s busiest airports. They are simply seeking a fair day’s pay.”
Further industrial action will be scheduled if the disputes are not resolved.
It’s not the only travel chaos currently causing problems for Brits.
Dozens of flights have been cancelled to and from the UK due to a shortage in air traffic controllers.
Both Ryanair and Wizz Air have been forced to apologise to passengers due to the wave of delays and cancellations.
Ryanair confirmed that 60 flights were cancelled, with another 150 delayed.
Ryanair’s Chief Ops Officer Neal McMahon said ATC services were at their “worst levels ever”.
He added: “These repeated ATC delays and cancellations are unacceptable.
“We apologise to our passengers for these repeated ATC flight delays and flight cancellations, which are deeply regrettable but beyond Ryanair’s control.”
And a Wizz Air spokesperson said: “Wizz Air was prepared to ensure smooth summer operations for its passengers; however, the air traffic control system seems to be experiencing significant issues this summer.
“As an industry, we are compelled to escalate these issues with the relevant air traffic management authorities, including Eurocontrol, to ensure proper mitigation actions are implemented to minimise disruptions.”
And earlier today, flights were temporarily suspended at London Gatwick Airport after a plane was forced to delay a takeoff, blocking the runway.
While flights are operational again, a spokesperson said at the time:
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.
A Gatwick Airport spokesperson said: “The main runway was closed for a short time today due to a departing aircraft having hot brakes.
“Safety is our top priority and the dedicated airport fire service swiftly attended to support the aircraft.”
