THE week of travel chaos continues in Europe as a major airline is cancelling over 100 flights, impacting thousands of travellers.
Finnair has cancelled 140 flights due to take off tomorrow, as part of planned strike action.
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The disruption is estimated to impact over 12,000 passengers across Europe.
The strike action, which is being carried out by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU), is expected top impact six flights to London Heathrow, two to Manchester and one to Edinburgh.
The industrial action will last four hours but is due to take place in “different shifts” and is not tied to a specific time, according to the IAU.
In addition to flight cancellations, delays and disruptions are expected across baggage handling and catering services.
Finnair has warned that some short-haul flights may be operated without baggage and meals loaded onto the aircraft.
Though, long-haul flights will not be impacted by the catering limitations.
In addition, the IAU announced that similar industrial action is scheduled for May 5.
Finnair said it is “still assessing the exact effects” on traffic, but that it is likely to cause additional disruption.
Helsinki Airport has also warned travellers to expect flight delays and “occasional queues” on both May 2 and May 5.
In a statement on Facebook, Finnair said: “If your flight is cancelled, we will contact you personally via e-mail or text message as soon as the cancellation has taken place.
“You will be offered a new route, which will also be visible in Finnair’s ‘Manage booking’ service and mobile application.
“Due to the high number of cancellations, rerouting all customers may take time, and customers might have to wait for a while for their new route.”
The action is expected to affect “many functions” related to Finnair’s flight operations and ground services at Helsinki Airport, too.
Darina Kovacheva, head of legal at airline compensation specialists SkyRefund, said: “According to EU Regulation 261/2004, the eligibility for compensation for a flight disrupted by strike action depends largely on who calls the strike and how much control the airline has over it.
“As this strike will involve Finnair employees, if you present yourself on time for check-in with a valid flight reservation and travel documents, and you are denied boarding you might be entitled to €250 (£212.55) if the distance you are travelling is 1,500 km or less.
“[Or] €400 (£340.08) for flights of more than 1,500 km within the European Common Aviation Area and all others between 1,500 and 3,500 km, with all other flights of more than 3,500 km eligible for €600 (£510.13) compensation.”
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Timing also matters, as passengers are eligible for support after a two hour delay on short-haul flights, three hours on medium-haul flights and four hours on long-hauil flights.
Darina added: “But keep in mind, if the airline you are travelling on is not Finnair, and therefore not striking, and you are still affected, you will not be eligible for financial compensation.
“[This is because] the delay or cancellation has been caused by ‘extraordinary circumstances’, for example a strike by airport workers, who don’t work for the airline on which you are travelling.
“Still, it’s sensible to hang on to your receipts for any expenses you rack up during the delay.”
Flights across Europe recently suffered disruptions after Spain lost power.
Plus, this week, a UK airport suddenly shut with flights cancelled after a plane ‘collapsed’ during landing.
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