The UK Government has clarified passenger rights when flights are cancelled due to an 'act of war', following disruptions caused by rising jet fuel costs linked to the conflict in Iran. Six major airlines have confirmed they will cancel or reduce flights to and from the UK, leaving travellers anxious about their plans.
What Passengers Are Entitled To
Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department for Transport, Keir Mather, stated that under UK law, if an airline cancels a flight, passengers have the right to choose between a full refund or re-routing. These rights apply regardless of whether the disruption is linked to war. The Department for Transport's Air Passenger Travel Guide and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provide further advice.
The MP responded to Liberal Democrat Sarah Dyke, who sought clarity on the 'Act of War' clause protecting customers. According to the CAA, airlines must offer passengers one of two options: a refund for unused parts of the journey or an alternative flight. If cancellation occurs with less than 14 days' notice, passengers may be entitled to compensation if the airline is at fault. However, extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather, strikes, or acts of war do not qualify.
Care and Assistance
In addition to refunds or rebooking, airlines must provide 'care and assistance' separate from compensation. This includes reasonable food and drink (often vouchers), means of communication (e.g., refunding phone call costs), accommodation if the replacement flight is the next day, and transport to and from accommodation or home. The CAA states: 'The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it.'
Airlines Reducing Flights
According to the BBC, six airlines have announced fewer flights: KLM, Air Canada, Asiana Airlines, Delta Airlines, Lufthansa, and SAS. Others, including British Airways owner IAG, EasyJet, and Jet2Holidays, have no current plans to change schedules as of April 25. Some airlines are increasing charges due to jet fuel supply disruptions, including Air France-KLM, Indigo, Pakistan International Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines-Sun Express, and Virgin Atlantic.
