Delayed and cancelled flights at Heathrow airport
Heathrow Airport is out-of-action due to a power cut caused by a fire at a local electricity substation on the evening of 20 March.
So what are your rights?
Do not travel to the airport. But do keep in touch with your airline.
The fire is an example of “extraordinary circumstances” and so you will not be entitled to compensation from the airline.
However, if you are stranded, you will be entitled to food and refreshments from the airline. This is when you are delayed more than 2 hours on short haul, 3 hours on medium and 4 hours on long haul.
If you are delayed overnight, the airline must provide you with a hotel, plus travel to and from it.
You can choose to wait for the next available flight which can be from another airline, choose to go via another route (such as Gatwick, Luton or Stansted) or opt for a full refund. If you choose a full refund then the airline no longer has any responsibility towards you. The airline must pay for any other flight you take. You should find the cheapest flight possible and keep your evidence to show this when you claim from the airline.
There will be knock-on delays for some time after Heathrow opens again because some planes will be in the wrong locations.
If some airlines are operating and yours says it is not because of the fire, then collect as much evidence as you can of other airlines flying and make a claim.
For more detailed information about delayed and cancelled flights see Flight delays and cancellations know your rights.
@thecomplainingcow Power outage at Heathrow and surrounding areas due to fire at a substation in Hayes. #Heathrow #HeathrowAirport #Travel #TroubleDelays #London
