EASYJET has been forced to cancel more than 232 flights due to a strike happening in Portugal later this week.
More than a quarter of the planes expected to take off will remain on the ground from August 15 to 17.
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At the end of July, when the strike action was first announced, 160 flights were originally thought to be impacted by the strike action.
According to Portuguese newspaper Expresso, a total of 1,138 EasyJet flights were expected to operate over this three-day period.
Earlier this month, The National Civil Aviation Flight Staff Union (SNPVAC) announced: “Regrettably, and despite not yet being included in the Crew schedules, we see that as of today, easyJet has already cancelled 164 out of 308 flights that were scheduled for the 15th, 16th and 17th of August.”
SNPVAC called for a three-day strike by cabin crew at easyJet, between August 15 and 17.
This was after approval at a meeting where 99 per cent voted in favour accusing the company of ignoring attempts to resolve labour issues.
These issues included lack of staff and an increase in the number of working hours.
The strike begins at 00:01 on August 15 and ends at 24:00 on the 17, for “all flights carried out by easyJet, as well as for other services to which cabin crew are linked”, in Portugal.
As reported by the website Barrons, easyJet has allegedly offered to reimburse passengers on cancelled flights.
The low-cost airline has also offered to book passengers onto other flights.
Sun Online Travel have contacted easyJet for comment.
Holidaymakers heading to other European countries could face some disruption when travelling this summer, so it’s important to be in the know.
Italy
Strikes have taken place in Italy already this year, as recently as two weeks ago.
Airport staff walked out on July 5 and July 21, but the country’s transport sector is forbidden from striking between July 27 and September 5, meaning no further walkouts are expected.
United Kingdom
Strikes were due to take place at both London Gatwick and two airports in Scotland, including Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Around 300 security and passenger services staff were due to walk out from the London airport, while a similar number also threatened to strike across the Scottish transport hubs.
However, both have since been called off.
Netherlands
A public transport strike is set to take place in the Netherlands’ biggest cities on September 12, while more walkouts are possible.
Services in Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam are all due to be impacted.
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.
Meanwhile, this is a list of the times when you won’t be eligible for compensation for a cancelled flight.
Travellers could be owed compensation from BA after a court ruling.
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