Half-term holidays are at risk as airlines call off planned flights from the UK.
Earlier this week, EasyJet said it was cancelling a total of 240 over 10 days, over issues including air traffic control restrictions, runway works and airport handling delays. The airline had previously had to cancel 200 flights on Thursday due to an unrelated IT issue.
Meanwhile Tui said it had to cancel a "small number" of flights, due to operational and supply chain issues. There have also been reports of long queues and disruption at airports including Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted and Bristol getting in the way of many people's holidays.
Read more: Delighted families jet off on holiday as Newcastle Airport sees 'busiest half-term in years'
But what about the passengers who were relying on the canelled flights? And what happens to those whose holidays are impacted by airport disruption?
Wales Online has taken a look at UK airline passengers' rights and how they can claim refunds and compensation. Here's what you need to know:
Which airlines have to offer compensation?
In the UK, airlines are obliged to fork out if your plane is delayed or cancelled and it's their fault, so you're always covered on departures from the UK. However, on the return leg these rules only apply if you’re travelling with a UK or EU airline.
For any journeys with a non-EU airline from a destination outside the UK, you’ll need to check with the individual airline.
What are you entitled to after a few hours of delays?
Most airlines will offer you tokens for food and drink to be redeemed at the airport, along with access to phone calls and emails if you are overseas. For short-haul flights (less than 1500km) the delay will need to be over two hours; for mid-haul (1500km-3500km) it’s three hours; for long haul (more than 3500km) it’s four hours.
What are you entitled to after long delays?
For longer flight delays, you may be eligible for hotel accommodation (if your flight is rescheduled for the following day) and in some cases, vouchers for future use. Again, the amount you get depends on the delay and the distance of the flight.
If your flight is delayed for more than five hours, you're entitled to cancel and receive a full refund. You can also get a refund for any other parts of the journey you won’t be able to complete.
Alternatively, you can claim up to £520 compensation if the airline is to blame for the delay.
What do you get if the flight is cancelled?
If the flight is called off altogether you can claim a full refund or can request the airline book an alternative flight to get you to your destination. Legally, you can also ask for compensation if your replacement flight arrives more than two hours later than was originally planned, or if you were given less than 14 days’ notice for a cancellation. For less than seven days’ notice, you’re entitled to between £110 and £520.
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