Latest news with #EURegulation261
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Irish Independent
14 flights to and from Ireland cancelled Friday as French air traffic control strikes continue
'In addition to flights to/from France being cancelled, this strike will also affect all French overflights,' it said. 'Most disrupted passengers are not even flying to/from France," it added, but over French airspace to destinations like the UK, Greece and Spain. The cancellations include a handful of flights to and from Ireland by Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Air France on both dates. On Friday, Dublin Airport said 14 flights had been cancelled, including services to/from Nice, Paris and Helsinki. It follows the cancellation of 20 flights on Thursday. "Further disruption to flight schedules is possible today (Friday) due to another day of air traffic control strikes in France and a ground staff strike in Finland,' the airport said. 'Passengers due to fly to or over mainland Europe today are advised to check directly with their airline for latest updates on the status of their flight." Aer Lingus said there would be 'limited flight cancellations to/from Paris and Nice' on the affected dates, and that impacted customers had been contacted and re-accommodated on alternative flights or offered other options. Passengers whose flights have been cancelled should be contacted directly by the airline – though if bookings were made through third parties like travel agents or other airlines, those may receive updates on their behalf. Under EU Regulation 261/2014, affected passengers should be offered the choice between a re-routing or a full refund (read more about your rights if flights are cancelled or delayed). French ATC union, UNSA-ICNA, said the two-day strike was due to persistent understaffing, outdated equipment and a toxic management culture. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The industrial action comes as the busy summer holiday period ramps up, though Ryanair has long campaigned for an overhaul of ATC services across Europe, lobbying in particular for ATC services to be fully staffed for the first wave of morning flight departures, and for overflights to be protected during national ATC strikes. It says French ATC issues have caused the delay of over 26,000 of its flights in the first six months of 2025, and called on EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, to take urgent action to reform EU ATC services. 'Once again European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike,' said its CEO, Michael O'Leary. "It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays.' Ryanair maintains a website and 'league table' highlighting what it says are the worst-performing ATCs in the EU. 'France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and the UK continue to delay thousands of Ryanair flights and millions of Ryanair passengers, putting them in stark contrast to other EU States, like Slovakia, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, who are delivering many many more on-time flights,' Mr O'Leary said this week. 'If these five states can properly staff and manage their ATC service, then why can't France, Spain, Germany, Portugal and the UK do likewise?' Ryanair carried 19.9 million passengers in June, up 3pc on the same month last year.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Further flights to and from Ireland affected today on foot of French air traffic control strikes
'In addition to flights to/from France being cancelled, this strike will also affect all French overflights,' it said. 'Most disrupted passengers are not even flying to/from France," it added, but over French airspace to destinations like the UK, Greece and Spain. The cancellations include a handful of flights to and from Ireland by Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Air France on Thursday. Cancelled services from Dublin Airport include Nice (FR3954, EI544), Biarritz (FR1982), Paris (AF1617, EI526, FR1860, TO7909) and Murcia (FR5405). Aer Lingus said there would be 'limited flight cancellations to/from Paris and Nice on Thursday, July 3', and that impacted customers had been contacted. "There is potential for similar cancellations on Friday, July 4, should industrial action continue. Any impacted customers will be contacted directly to offer alternative options.' Passengers whose flights have been cancelled should be contacted directly by the airline – though if bookings were made through third parties like travel agents or other airlines, those may receive updates on their behalf. Under EU Regulation 261/2014, affected passengers should be offered the choice between a re-routing or a full refund (read more about your rights if flights are cancelled or delayed). French ATC union, UNSA-ICNA, said the two-day strike was due to persistent understaffing, outdated equipment and a toxic management culture. The industrial action comes as the busy summer holiday period ramps up, though Ryanair has long campaigned for an overhaul of ATC services across Europe. ADVERTISEMENT It says French ATC issues have caused the delay of over 26,000 of its flights in the first six months of 2025, and today called on EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, to take urgent action to reform EU ATC services. 'Once again European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike,' said its CEO, Michael O'Leary. "It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays.' Ryanair maintains a website and 'league table' highlighting what it says are the worst-performing ATCs in the EU. 'France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and the UK continue to delay thousands of Ryanair flights and millions of Ryanair passengers, putting them in stark contrast to other EU States, like Slovakia, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands, who are delivering many many more on-time flights,' Mr O'Leary said this week. 'If these five states can properly staff and manage their ATC service, then why can't France, Spain, Germany, Portugal and the UK do likewise?' Ryanair carried 19.9 million passengers in June, up 3pc on the same month last year.
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Irish flights among 170 Ryanair cancellations on foot of French air traffic control strikes
'In addition to flights to/from France being cancelled, this strike will also affect all French overflights,' it said. 'Most disrupted passengers are not even flying to/from France," it added, but overflying French airspace to destinations like the UK, Greece and Spain. The cancellations include a handful of flights to and from Ireland by Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Air France on Thursday. Cancelled services from Dublin Airport include Nice (FR3954, EI544), Biarritz (FR1982), Paris (AF1617, EI526, FR1860, TO7909) and Murcia (FR5405). Aer Lingus said there would be 'limited flight cancellations to/from Paris and Nice on Thursday, July 3', and that impacted customers had been contacted. "There is potential for similar cancellations on Friday, July 4, should industrial action continue. Any impacted customers will be contacted directly to offer alternative options.' Passengers whose flights have been cancelled should be contacted directly by the airline – though if bookings were made through third parties like travel agents or other airlines, those may receive updates on their behalf. Under EU Regulation 261/2014, affected passengers should be offered the choice between a re-routing or a full refund (read more about your rights if flights are cancelled or delayed). French ATC union, UNSA-ICNA, said the two-day strike was due to persistent understaffing, outdated equipment and a toxic management culture. The industrial action comes as the busy summer holiday period ramps up, though Ryanair has long campaigned for an overhaul of ATC services across Europe. ADVERTISEMENT It says French ATC issues have caused the delay of over 26,000 of its flights in the first six months of 2025, and today called on EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, to take urgent action to reform EU ATC services. 'Once again European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike,' said its CEO, Michael O'Leary. "It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays.' Ryanair maintains a website and 'league table' highlighting what it says are the worst-performing ATCs in the EU. 'France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and the UK continue to delay thousands of Ryanair flights and millions of Ryanair passengers, putting them in stark contrast to other EU States, like Slovakia, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium, and Netherlands, who are delivering many many more on-time flights,' Mr O'Leary said this week. 'If these five states can properly staff and manage their ATC service, then why can't France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and the UK do likewise?' Ryanair carried 19.9 million passengers in June, up 3pc on the same month last year.
Time Business News
23-06-2025
- Time Business News
Flight Delay Compensation for Technical Issues: What to Know
Stuck because of a delayed flight? Airline Help can guide you through claims and rebooking. Call us at 800-594-4991 (OTA) and get the support you deserve. Delays can be frustrating, especially when you're on a tight schedule. But when a flight is delayed due to a technical fault, there are rules that can help passengers get compensated. Whether you're stuck at the airport or missed an important connection, it's important to understand your rights. Let's break it down in simple terms so you know when you can claim compensation, how much you could get, and what steps to take. A technical fault is a mechanical or system issue that makes the aircraft unfit to fly. This can include: Engine problems Faulty sensors Hydraulic system failures Electrical system malfunctions If a technical defect is not due to extraordinary circumstances, like a lightning strike or bird strike, airlines may be held responsible. If your flight is delayed due to a technical fault and the delay is more than 3 hours, you may be eligible for compensation. However, the airline must be at fault. That means the technical issue should not be out of their control. Flight must be delayed 3+ hours on arrival on arrival The issue must not be caused by extraordinary circumstances You must have a confirmed reservation The flight must depart from the EU or be operated by an EU airline to the EU Tip: Always keep your boarding pass and receipts related to the delay. These are useful when filing a claim. The amount depends on the flight distance and delay duration: Distance Delay Time Compensation (approx) Up to 1,500 km 3+ hours €250 1,500 to 3,500 km 3+ hours €400 Over 3,500 km 3-4 hours €300 Over 3,500 km 4+ hours €600 Note: These are based on EU Regulation 261/2004, one of the strongest in favor of passengers. Airlines do not have to pay compensation if the technical fault is caused by: Bird strikes Volcanic ash clouds Sabotage or terrorism Political unrest Weather conditions If it's a regular maintenance issue, airlines can't use this as an excuse to avoid compensation. Tip: If the airline tells you the delay was due to a technical issue, ask them for a written explanation. This helps later if you need to file a claim. Boarding pass Ticket/confirmation email Proof of delay (email or announcement photo) File a claim directly with the airline first. Use their website's customer service section. Mention the delay, reason, and request compensation. If you don't hear back in a reasonable time, send a reminder. Airlines may take time to process claims. If the airline refuses or delays your claim, you can use a third-party service provider like Airline Help to assist. Need help? Airline Help is here for you! Call us at 800-594-4991 (OTA), and let our team find the best solution for you! Sometimes, airlines offer meal vouchers or travel credits. These do not replace your right to monetary compensation. You can accept them, but still ask for the full cash amount you're entitled to. Tip: Politely ask the airline agent if the voucher is in place of your EU compensation. If yes, you can decline. Yes. If your first flight is delayed due to a technical fault and you miss your connection as a result, you may still claim compensation. This applies when: Both flights are on the same booking Delay is more than 3 hours at final destination Tip: Always book connecting flights under one ticket. It protects your rights. If the delay is long, airlines must provide: Meals and refreshments Two phone calls or internet access Hotel accommodation (if overnight stay is required) Transportation to/from the hotel Even if the technical fault is out of their control, these care services must be offered. Need assistance with rebooking or refunds during delays? Call Airline Help at 800-594-4991 (OTA). We'll take care of the hard part for you. In the U.S., compensation rules are different. Airlines are not legally required to pay for delays caused by technical faults. However, some airlines offer goodwill gestures. Still, if you were flying from the EU to the U.S. on a European carrier, you may be covered by EU regulations. You usually have up to 2-3 years to file a claim, depending on the country. But it's better to act quickly so you don't miss deadlines. Tip: File your claim within the same year of travel for faster processing. Flight delays caused by technical faults can ruin plans, but you have rights. Compensation laws are designed to protect you when airlines are responsible. Understanding these rules puts you in control. Keep records, know your entitlements, and if needed—get professional support. Stuck because of a delayed flight? Airline Help can guide you through claims and rebooking. Call us at 800-594-4991 (OTA) and get the support you deserve. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Independent
09-06-2025
- The Independent
The EU is overhauling air passengers' rights. Here's what you should know
EU Regulation 261 transformed air passenger rights in Europe in 2004, mandating a duty of care and compensation for flight disruptions. Airlines often ignored the rules, leading to an industry of claims handlers who fought for compensation on behalf of passengers. Test cases resulted in rulings such as a three-hour delay warranting the same compensation as a cancellation, and airlines being liable for delays caused by unforeseen events like pilot deaths. The EU is revising the regulation to address anomalies, potentially cutting payouts for many passengers except those on the shortest flights, and increasing the delay time over which compensation is paid. Proposed changes include clearer definitions of "extraordinary circumstances" that excuse airlines from compensation, limiting duty of care to three nights' accommodation, and ensuring passengers can still fly return legs even if they miss the outbound flight.
