EasyJet cancels flights affecting thousands of passengers with ‘more to come’

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Over 15,000 easyJet passengers have been hit by flight cancellations due to severe weather.

The budget carried axed 54 flights scheduled to take off or depart from Gatwick Airport on Sunday because of storms, with a further 55 grounded on Monday.

Meanwhile the airport has warned that more storms are expected to hit today (Monday).

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An easyJet spokeswoman said: "Thunderstorms in the Gatwick area which restricted the number of arrivals and departures on Sunday unfortunately resulted in disruption at London Gatwick Airport, including some diversions and cancellations which is having a knock-on impact this morning as a number of aircraft are out of position.

"We are doing all possible to minimise the impact on our customers, providing those on cancelled flights with options to rebook or receive a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required.

"The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and, while this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused."

A Gatwick airport spokeswoman said: "Due to unsettled weather conditions and thunderstorms across the south of England and Europe yesterday, temporary air traffic restrictions were put in place, which resulted in some flights being delayed and cancelled.

"London Gatwick apologises to passengers for any inconvenience. Further thunderstorms are expected today, so passengers should contact their airline for further information."

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Meanwhile, Gatwick Express, which runs non-stop trains between the airport and central London, was suspended on Monday.

The operator said this was due to "urgent repairs to the track" after a set of points – which allow trains to move from one line to another – were damaged in the East Croydon area.

Passengers travelling to or from the airport were advised to use Southern and Thameslink services, which are slower as they stop at intermediate stations.

Unfortunately, passengers affected by the easyJet cancellations won't be entitled to compensation.

That's because the airline will be able to claim 'extraordinary circumstances' – aka, a situation that is outside of their control. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, this covers the likes of adverse weather.

If you booked flights and accommodation separately, it's worth checking your travel insurance details. If the flight cancellation means you can't use part of your booking – such as a hotel stay or car hire – you may be able to get some of the costs back, depending on your policy.

Check the details or get in touch with your travel insurance provider who should be able to advise.

Jo Rhodes, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel, said: "Thousands of travellers will be frustrated to have had their plans thrown into disarray as a result of thunderstorms over Gatwick.

"While easyJet does not have to pay compensation for these cancellations, it must offer affected passengers the option of a refund or to be rerouted at the earliest opportunity – even if this means booking seats with a rival carrier to ensure minimal delay.

"If delayed for more than two hours, passengers will be entitled to assistance such as free meals or refreshments, and overnight accommodation if required."

• Easyjet
• Gatwick
• London

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