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Airport chaos as BA flights delayed and cancelled

Emma Lunn
Written By:
Emma Lunn
Posted:
Updated:
07/08/2019

An IT system failure is affecting British Airways check-in and flight departures from London airports.

Holidaymakers booked with British Airways have been advised to check their bookings before leaving for the airport after IT problems led to long queues at check-in desks, and flight delays and cancellations.

More than 200 flights have been affected with the airline advising customers to allow extra time at airports.

A statement on BA’s website said a systems issue had resulted in some short-haul cancellations and delays from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports.

The airline is offering affected customers the opportunity to rebook for another day, while customers who no longer wish to travel can cancel their booking and get a full refund.

The delays come just after a strike by Heathrow Airport workers, scheduled for Monday 5 August, was called off at the last minute.

Your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled

Aashna Shroff, personal finance expert at money.co.uk said: “British Airways’ reputation has already taken a serious pounding this summer, and now it faces more woes from some very disgruntled customers.

“It may be scant consolation if your travel plans have already been affected, but thanks to EU regulation, you should be entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

“In the unfortunate event that your flight is cancelled, you will be entitled to: a full refund; or an alternative flight to your destination from a nearby airport, with the airline responsible for additional travel costs; or an alternative flight on a later date.

“If you experience a significant delay – whether flying from or to the UK – due to an airline IT outage, the airline is required to make your wait a comfortable one, including providing food and drink, phone calls, and even accommodation, if necessary.”

The flight cancellations at the latest in a long list of woes for holidaymakers this summer. Last week saw Late Rooms and Super Break go into administration, while strikes by Heathrow Airport workers affecting BA flights, and Stansted Airport staff affecting Easyjet flights, were both called off at the last minute.

Those holidaymakers that do make it abroad are finding that a weakening pound makes their trip more expensive.