The French Air Traffic Controllers' strike rumbles on and shows little sign of abating before Sunday, which is the original planned finish date. Ryanair, who were forced to cancel 26 flights yesterday, warned that thousands of passengers will be delayed or disrupted. It has been forced to cancel at least 25 flights today between Ireland and France, Spain and Portugal. There could also be up to five hour delays on some routes.
Across Europe, Ryanair has cancelled around 250 flights and is constantly updating passengers via Twitter, email and its website. Aer Lingus plans to operate a full schedule of flights today but warned that there could be delays. Several other European airlines also warned of cancellations and delays.
The Commission for Aviation Regulation has released a statement regarding the strike saying:
"If your flight is delayed or cancelled as a result of this strike action then it is important that you are aware of your rights and entitlements, which can be found at www.flightrights.ie. In the event that your flight is cancelled then your air carrier must offer you the choice between the following:- re-routing as soon as possible;- re-routing at a later date at your convenience; or- a refund. If you choose the first option (re-routing as soon as possible) then your air carrier must provide you with care and assistance whilst you wait for the alternative flight. Care and assistance comprises:- meals & refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time;- hotel accommodation where an overnight stay becomes necessary;- transport between the hotel accommodation and the airport;- 2 free telephone calls/access to email. If your flight is subject to a long delay, your air carrier must provide you with the care and assistance described above. In addition, if your flight is delayed by more than 5 hours, it must offer you the choice between:- continuing with your journey: or- a refund of the cost of your ticket.
Please note that it is not possible for passengers to travel and avail of the full refund. If your air carrier does not provide the care and assistance described above, passengers should make their own reasonable arrangements and retain all receipts in the process. Passengers are advised to then submit copies of these receipts to their air carrier for reimbursement. In both situations (i.e. flight cancellations and long delays) air carriers should provide affected passengers with written notices setting out their rights and entitlements under EC Regulation 261/ 2004.
Compensation may also be payable to passengers affected by flight cancellations or long flight delays as a result of this strike action, though passengers are advised that an investigation will be required to determine this. Passengers who remain unclear about their entitlements as set out in EC Regulation 261/ 2004, or who have further queries in relation to same, should log onto www.flightrights.ie or contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation on 1890 787 787."
