Insurance
Primera Air collapses: what passengers need to know
Guest Author:
Paloma KubiakLow-cost airline Primera Air has cancelled flights at the last minute as it is expected to file for bankruptcy today.
The Danish-registered airline yesterday ceased all flight operations and holidaymakers were told not to travel to Stansted airport today.
According to reports, at least one flight was grounded at Stansted for the company’s failure to pay airport charges.
The airline has 15 aircraft, offering budget transatlantic flights to Canada and America from Stansted airport, as well as flights to Europe.
A post on the Primera Air website said: “Airline Primera Air and IATA codes PF and 6F have been suspended as of today, October 2nd, 2018.
“On behalf of Primera Air team, we would like to thank you for your loyalty. On this sad day we are saying Goodbye to all of you.
“Please visit primeraair.com for further updates in next few days. Tour Operator passengers are kindly suggested to address their Tour Operators and Agents for further information and actions.”
Stansted airport said it is providing information and assistance to those who have already travelled to the airport for flights due to depart today.
Vital information for holidaymakers
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, Primera Air is not covered under the ATOL protection scheme as this only covers those who booked a package holiday.
But some passengers may have ATOL protection if the Primera Air flight was part of a package holiday so it’s best to check your documents.
If you’ve an unused ticket, you will need to contact Primera Air directly for a refund, though its website noted that “the usual options for contacts (via email or phone) can not be offered any longer”.
If you bought the flight with a credit, debit or charge card, there are options to reclaim your money.
Credit card payers may come under the protection of Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 which states that a credit card provider is equally liable with a goods or services provider where there has been a ‘misrepresentation’ or breach of contract.
In order to benefit from the protection, you must use your credit card to buy goods or services between £100 and £30,000.
Chargeback protection exists for those who paid by debit card, but this isn’t a legal protection so you should contact your provider for more information.
If you’ve already made the outbound part of your journey and are yet to fly back to the UK, the CAA said you will need to make your own arrangements to return home.
One other way is to check your travel insurance for Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI), which could cover you for the cost of the original ticket bought or any unused tickets, or the extra cost of buying new flights, such as travel back to the UK.
The news comes exactly a year after Monarch Airlines ceased trading.