Mass disruption at airports continues as 1,900 flights to and from UK cancelled – live updates

Tim Riley, Managing Director of travel insurer True Traveller and Chairman of the UK Travel Industry Association, representing all the major UK travel insurers, has issued the following guidance for UK travellers affected by the current Air Traffic Control disruption:

“The current air traffic control disruption is understandably frustrating for travellers, but there are a number of practical steps people can take.

The first port of call should be the airline. Depending on the circumstances, passengers may be entitled to rerouting, a refund and, where appropriate, meals, refreshments and accommodation.”

Tim advises passengers to keep confirmation of the reason for the disruption, together with receipts for any additional expenses, as airlines may still have responsibilities under passenger rights legislation.

“Travel insurance is there to provide valuable protection when things go wrong, but it is not intended to replace the responsibilities of airlines.”

He explains that cover will usually depend on both the cause of the disruption and the length of the delay. Air traffic control failure is commonly excluded, although travellers should always check their policy wording rather than assume they are not covered.

“Our advice is straightforward: speak to your airline first, establish exactly what has caused the disruption and keep all relevant documentation and receipts. If a later delay is caused by a genuinely separate insured event, such as an unrelated technical problem with the aircraft, the travel insurance position may be different.

Most importantly, don’t assume that a delay automatically means you are either covered or not covered. Check the reason, check your policy, and ask your insurer if you are unsure.”