Manchester Airport chaos: What are my rights if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

Wigan holidaymakers travelling from Manchester airport have seen flights delayed and cancelled since the beginning of May and there is no end in sight.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Airlines Tui, easyJet and British Airways have had to cancel flights from airports across the country and queues as long as eight hours have been reported at Manchester Airport. On Sunday hundreds of TUI passengers were left stunned after receiving a text message informing them that their trips were cancelled at the last minute.

Tui reported this week that they will cancel six flights a day until the end of June, which it blamed on staff shortages at Manchester Airport.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

These cancellations include destinations such as: Ibiza, Malaga, Menorca, Palma, Pula, Skiathos and Verona.

Bosses have explained previously that they are undergoing a recruitment drive to help cope with a spike in demand for travel, but that it takes time to get new staff trained and in place.

Here’s what you can do if your flight has been delayed or cancelled

If your flight is delayed, holidaymakers don't receive any compensation if it is less than a two hour delay.

For delays of two hours or more, the airline is obliged to give you free food and drink at the airport. They are also obliged to pay for nearby hotel accommodation, as well as transport there - or back home if you can travel there - and back to the airport again if you are re-routed for the next day.

Travel chaos continues for Wigan holidaymakersTravel chaos continues for Wigan holidaymakers
Travel chaos continues for Wigan holidaymakers
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If your flight is cancelled holidaymakers are covered by UK law if it departs from a UK airport, arrives at a UK airport on a UK or EU airline, or arrives at an EU airport on a UK airline.

The airline must either give you a refund or book you on an alternative flight.

Some airlines are offering refunds, but you are can choose a new flight if you prefer.

You may have the right to be booked onto a rival flight, but this has to be negotiated with the company who you are flying with.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You can claim compensation if your flight is cancelled within 14 days of travel and you can prove it was the airline's fault.

You can check the status of your easyJet flight on their flight tracker here. Just enter your flight number or the origin country or destination of your flight.

You can check the status of your Tui flight on their flight tracker here.

You can check the status of your British Airways flight on their flight tracker here.