What to do if you're due to fly from UK this week as people left stranded at airports
The beginning of this week has seen travel chaos across the UK, causing many Brits to be stranded abroad or unable to leave the country for a well-deserved break.
On Bank Holiday Monday (28 August), thousands of flights to and from the UK were grounded due to a 'technical issue' at air traffic control.
To be honest, the disruption could not have happened at a worse time, as travellers enjoyed the last bank holiday until December.
The long delays and cancellations led to some heated moments overseas, with one viral video showing passengers arguing with Ryanair staff after being stranded on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria.
Advert
However, while the 'technical issue' may have now been resolved, the knock on effect is expected to be quite substantial.
In fact, many airports, airlines, and aviation experts are warning that flights may be disrupted for the next few days.
With planes in wrong places and a backlog of passengers to get through, National Air Traffic Services operations director Juliet Kennedy has said 'it will take some time for flights to return to normal'.
So far on Tuesday (29 August) morning, more than 60 flights to and from Heathrow Airport have been cancelled, with the UK's biggest airport saying in a statement: "Due to yesterday's technical issues suffered by UK Air Traffic Control, there may be some continuing disruption on some routes, including flight cancellations.
"It is important for all passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport and for those passengers who need to rebook to contact their airline directly rather than travelling to Heathrow."
Meanwhile, the likes of London Luton, London Stansted, and Manchester Airport have been hit with a high number of delays and cancellations.
Now, people who are set to travel later this week are concerned their plans may be impacted, but what should they do?
Well, the general message from all of the UK's major airlines is to check on your flight before you embark on your trip to the airport as it could be subject to disruption.
It has also been advised to make sure your airline has the correct contact details for you so they can update you on the status of your flight.
In addition, you should download the app for the airline you're travelling with if you haven't so already, as it is likely that they will issue updates there as well.
If you flight was to be cancelled or delayed, then unfortunately you will not be entitled to any compensation.
That is because technical issues like this fall under 'extraordinary circumstances', though the airline still has certain legal obligations when it comes to duty of care.
For cancelled flights, you are entitled to a full refund for the affected journey as well as any linked journeys, such a connecting flight or return flight, on the same booking. An alternative flight may also be offered.
If your flight is delayed, your airline must provide food and drink after delays of a certain length, and even overnight accommodation if that is necessary.
The National Air Traffic Services advised: "Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight."
Callum Jones