Latest news with #traveldisruption
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Blackpool family suffers holiday 'nightmare' amid Eurostar chaos
A plumber from Blackpool said he and his family suffered a "nightmare start" to their holiday when their Eurostar service to Paris was cancelled at the last Hardman said they were on a 05:30 BST Avanti West Coast train from Blackpool to London Euston when they were 57-year-old said he and his family were about £700 out of pocket due to the additional hotel and travel costs associated with them taking a train to Brussels instead of passengers have faced several days of severe disruption after two people died on the railway track in France and then cables were stolen. 'All booked up' The cable theft near Lille, which French media said involved about 600m (660yd) of metal, caused trains to be rerouted, leading to extended journey high-speed rail operator later said the line had reopened following Hardman said: "When we got [to London St Pancras station], we were in the queue for an hour before we found out the other trains to Paris were all booked up, so it's just a nightmare start to our trip."Everyone's just standing around not knowing anything, which is irritating when you've got a train down to London at the crack of dawn."Eurostar said impacted passengers could change their travel plans for free or request a full refund."We're very sorry for the impact this is having on our customers," the company said in a statement."Our teams are working closely with the French authorities and infrastructure teams to manage the situation and restore services safely." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
‘Total chaos' on Eurostar – but what are passengers' rights between London and continental Europe?
Many thousands of Eurostar passengers have had their travel plans torn up due to a series of incidents on the high-speed line in France. On Tuesday, two people were struck by trains in separate locations, halting services. Those tragedies were followed by cable theft from the line near Lille in northern France, which caused further disruption on Wednesday morning – with further cancellations and long delays. Eurostar says: 'We advise you to cancel or postpone your trip.' The Independent estimates that more than 15,000 people are out of position. But what are passengers' rights? Unfortunately for those travellers, care and compensation rights for international rail travellers are far less comprehensive and generous than for airline passengers. These are the key questions and answers. What is the latest? I am at London St Pancras International, the UK hub for Eurostar. While trains are now departing and arriving, with delays, hundreds of passengers are queuing for the Eurostar service centre to try to be rebooked to their destinations. The rail firm says: 'If you're still intending to travel, please do not come to the station unless you have a valid ticket to travel today [or] you've exchanged your ticket onto a train which is due to run today.' Staff are telling passengers in the queue that it is unlikely they will be able to travel before tomorrow. All trains are very heavily booked. What is Eurostar offering? The company says: 'To avoid today's disruption, you can choose one of the following options: 'Exchange your booking for free to travel in the same travel class at a different date. It only takes a minute to rearrange your trip. 'Cancel your booking and claim an e-voucher. You will have 12 months from the date of your disrupted journey to redeem it on 'Cancel your booking and get a refund. You'll receive a refund for the value of your ticket but not for any booking or exchange fees. We'll process your request within 28 days.' Many people will want to avail of the chance to rebook for a future date. The e-voucher option looks extremely unappealing – cash is much preferable. Can I fly to my destination? Seats are selling out fast. Air fares linking London with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam have predictably soared due to the mass cancellations, and many flights have sold out. The lowest fare on the remaining British Airways departures from London to Paris on Wednesday is £463, with most seats selling for £625. From the French capital to London Heathrow, the cheapest ticket is £467 one way. All London-Brussels flights are full. If I spend a fortune on flights, can I claim the extra back from Eurostar? No. In aviation, when an airline cancels a flight it must cover the cost of getting you to your destination as soon as possible (including, if nothing else is available, in Eurostar Premier class). No parallel exists for international rail passengers. Even though air fares have surged way beyond normal levels, all you can claim back from Eurostar is the original price of your ticket. Travel insurance is the best route for a claim for extra costs. How else can I get home from abroad? From Paris, the most direct route is to take the train from Gare St-Lazare via Rouen to Dieppe, transferring to the DFDS ferry to Newhaven in East Sussex, with onward rail connections to London Victoria. The easiest terrestrial alternative from Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam is by by rail and sea: take the train to Rotterdam, then the Metro to Hook of Holland. Stena Line has cabins available for the 10pm sailing to Harwich. With a bunk bed, you can sail all the way to Essex for £131. Trains connect from Harwich towards London – though Network Rail engineering works make it a long train-bus-train journey to the capital. What care costs am I entitled to from Eurostar? The rail firm tries to deflect claims, saying: 'We may be able to help with some expenses incurred in the event of a disruption. But your travel insurer should cover you for most things, so it's best to drop them a line first.' A travel insurer is likely to bounce the claim straight back to Eurostar. The Independent is seeking confirmation of Eurostar's care policy, but it is believed to be as follows for people who are stranded, for example, British travellers in Paris heading for London. You are entitled to up to €170/£150 per room per night for a hotel, and meal costs of up to €60/£50 for each 24-hour stay. Transfers between the Eurostar station and the hotel or final destination are payable up to €170/£150 per vehicle (not per person). Can I claim the cost of a prepaid hotel abroad? No. You are unable to claim for costs triggered by the train cancellation, such as a hotel in Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam that you cannot reach. Travel insurance may cover such a loss. There is no possibility of an airline-style payout of hundreds of pounds. The best you can hope for is, if you travel with Eurostar, you may get the cost of your ticket refunded and/or a voucher for a future journey – despite having (eventually) travelled.
Arabian Business
17-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE launches emergency airport plan amid travel disruption
The UAE has activated its emergency business continuity plan to maintain airport operations amid ongoing travel disruption amid regional tensions. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed it has taken all necessary steps to guarantee continuous airport operations across the UAE. This includes close coordination with all operational entities to address the fallout from recent regional and political developments that led to airspace closures in certain countries. UAE emergency airport plan The primary goal is to ensure the safety and smooth movement of passengers without compromising service quality. The ICP clarified that its approved emergency business continuity plan was immediately activated when these events unfolded. This ensures operational flexibility and minimises potential disruptions to travel, especially given the airspace closures by some nations. The plan encompassed precise operational and regulatory procedures, executed in collaboration with strategic partners. To maintain peak readiness and immediate responsiveness, the Authority has bolstered airport field teams with qualified personnel and robust operational capabilities, available 24/7. Furthermore, the ICP is coordinating with all relevant operational bodies to manage the situations of stranded passengers, ensuring they receive vital support such as temporary accommodation, logistical services, and accurate information. The ICP also stated that a streamlined system for passenger entry into UAE airports has been implemented, aligning with current operational needs. Direct guidance is being provided to passengers by support teams, with immediate coordination with airlines in the UAE for flight rescheduling. The Authority commended passengers for their cooperation and understanding during these exceptional regional circumstances. It reiterated its unwavering commitment to undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee the security and safety of all travellers under any conditions or emergencies. This support is rooted in authentic Emirati values, proactive service standards, and comprehensive crisis and emergency management plans, ultimately ensuring the seamless delivery of services for both arriving and departing passengers according to the highest international standards and practices.
RNZ News
06-06-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Cook Strait ferries cancelled as 6m swells forecast, snow descends on South Island
Lakes Camp and Clearwater near Ashburton were blanketed with snow on Friday morning. Photo: Ashburton District Council An updated forecast from MetService has pushed back the expected start time for snowfall to sweep the South Island on Friday. The fresh surge of winter weather was expected to descend on the South Island on Friday , bringing snow, sub-zero temperatures and the risk of travel disruption. Central Otago had now been downgraded from an earlier heavy snow warning to a heavy snow watch starting at 2pm. But inland Canterbury south of the Rakaia River remained under a warning, with heavy snow possible above 400 metres from 2pm. Heavy snow watches were also in place on Friday afternoon for southern Marlborough, Queenstown Lakes District, and the rest of inland Canterbury. A strong wind watch was in effect for Westland District from 6pm. Snow flurries had already been recorded earlier on Friday in the Mackenzie Country and Queenstown. Lakes Camp and Clearwater looked stunning after heavy snowfall. Photo: Ashburton District Council Ashburton District Council said late Friday afternoon the Gorge Road was now closed at Mount Somers township because of snow. "If you're planning to travel this weekend, please pay attention to the weather forecast and drive to the conditions." Meanwhile, Cook Strait ferries were being cancelled this weekend due to forecast 6m swells. Interislander had canned all passenger sailings for Saturday due to the conditions. "All passengers are being moved to alternative sailings," it said on its website. Cook Strait ferries are being cancelled this weekend due to forecast swells. Photo: Supplied Bluebridge had also cancelled all Saturday sailings, and one in the early hours of Sunday morning. "We are monitoring the situation closely, and if further sailings are impacted, we will notify you via text and email at the earliest opportunity," the operator told customers. The MetService said waves could reach swells of 6m on Saturday, with a warning lasting to Sunday morning. Wellington Region Emergency Management said the 6m swells could bring flooding and debris onto roads around high tide. An orange swell warning was in place on Wellington's south coast through to coastal Wairarapa. It said drivers and walkers on coastal roads, as well as surfers, divers and fishers, should take extra care. More to come. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
05-06-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Weather: South Island prepares for heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures to strike
Lake Tekapo has already been hit by heavy snow. Photo: Supplied / Tanja Clauberg A fresh surge of winter weather is set to descend on the South Island on Friday, bringing snow, sub-zero temperatures and the risk of travel disruption. Authorities are urging caution as road conditions turn slippery and alpine areas brace for heavy snowfall. Metservice issued weather warnings covering most of Te Waipounamu on Friday. Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said the heaviest snowfall was expected in high, inland areas. A snow warning was in place for Central Otago and areas of Canterbury south of the Rangitata River for 9am Friday until midnight. "These areas do look most likely to see some heavy snow throughout Friday, running into the night time and maybe just tipping over into Saturday as well," he said. MetService said 15-25 centimetres of snow could accumulate above 500 metres elevation - and that could mean travel disruption and possible damage to trees and powerlines. In Queenstown Lakes District a heavy snow watch was in place between 9am and 9pm Friday, with snow possible down to 400 metres. A heavy snow watch was also issued for Canterbury north of the Rangitata River and southern Marlborough from 4pm on Friday until 8am on Saturday. Temperatures across the southern half of the South Island were expected to dive into the negatives, and remain low for most of the weekend. "A lot of people will have noticed a real chill to the air," Ferris said. "It looks like the South Island, even parts of the North Island, will feel the chills through the weekend. Some places even into the middle of next week, especially around Central Otago, places like Alexandra, might be fighting to get out of those negatives even through the daytime," he said. Lake Tekapo after overnight snow dump. Photo: Supplied / Tanja Clauberg Authorities urged drivers to factor in the wild weather, and prepare for potential road closures. Ferris said Metservice had issued road snowfall warnings for a number of alpine passes. "Conditions could be quite treacherous, so it's going to be one of those things to check in with the Transport Agency, see if there are any road closures," he said. Metservice said snow could accumulate on the Crown Range, the Lindis Pass, the Haast Pass and on the Dunedin to Waitati Highway. In Canterbury, snow was also expected to settle on Porters Pass, Lewis Pass and Arthurs Pass. Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury said people who needed to travel should carry snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing and emergency items. "If driving, please remember to switch your headlights on, increase your following distance and be prepared for unexpected hazards," it said. Ferris said people should exercise caution even in areas where there was no snow expected. "Plenty of frosts will be forecast around the South Island. So it could just be a case of taking a little bit easier if you have to be doing any morning travel through the weekend," he said. The warnings follow two highway closures in inland Canterbury on Thursday. Both State Highway 8, between Lake Pukaki and Fairlie, and State Highway 80, between Lake Pukaki and Aoraki-Mount Cook, were closed due to heavy snow. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said both closures were short-lived and the impact was not widespread. The agency said it would be working with its partners to keep a close eye on the State Highway network around the south and would be responding with its crews as required. It also noted a risk of potential severe gale force southeast winds in Westland on Friday afternoon, and encouraged motorists to be prepared. Central Otago and inland Canterbury, from the Rangitata River southwards are under an orange heavy snow warning. Photo: MetService/Supplied The sub-zero temperatures and potential snow are bringing added stress to farmers and their livestock. In Tapanui - near Gore - Federated Farmers' Otago president Luke Kane has been getting his farm and animals ready. He told Morning Report the drop in temperatures and heavy snow didn't come as a surprise for this time of the year. "It is winter after all. We normally would anticipate two to three of these storms for us throughout the winter and this may be the first one." Preparation was key when these types of snow storms hit, including putting out few extra hay bails, utilising shelter and making sure staff were safe and well feed, Kane said. "We make sure that we have got everything for the next few days pretty well prepared for the cows so we are not having to run tractors around in the mud or snow if it does come. "Most people are pretty well climatised to this type of thing down here." Kane said most farmers had mostly recovered going into winter after a "horrendous spring in the lower South". "Ground conditions are pretty fantastic really and it's shaping up to be okay at this point." He said he hoped people would use their common sense as the chill moved in. "There's always a hope for common sense but it doesn't always prevail right," he laughed. The cold snap could bring a welcome coating of snow for ski areas approaching their winter opening dates. The forecast showed Canterbury's Mt Hutt ski field, which abandoned plans to open early last month , could have a 50 centimetre top up. It was aiming for an opening date of 13 June. There was more than 50 centimetres of snow in Friday's forecast for some Arthurs Pass ski areas, such as Porters and Mount Cheeseman, and for Mackenzie Basin ski areas including Mount Dobson and Roundhill - all set to open later this month, or in early July. Ski fields in the Queenstown Lakes Area - set to open on 14 June - were all in line for a smaller dusting of about 10 - 15 centimetres on Friday. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
