CAA: Volcanic ash information update
15-Apr-2010 As the UK's independent specialist aviation regulator the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is working with NATS and UK airlines to ensure safety compliance during the current restrictions on airspace.
Passengers seeking advice on flights should contact their airline or the airport they are due to fly from.
All pilots are advised not to fly until clearance has been received from the Met Office and should check NOTAMs.
NATS is providing operational information at www.nats.co.uk
Air passenger rights
European legislation provides rights to passengers if their flights are delayed or cancelled. If your flight has been cancelled you will be entitled to be re-booked onto an alternative flight or to a refund. If you were at the airport when your flight was cancelled you may also be entitled to meals and refreshments, telephone calls and where appropriate, hotel accommodation and transport to and from the hotel. As the disruption is beyond the airlines' control there is therefore no automatic right to financial compensation.
If your flight is delayed you will be entitled to provision of refreshments, meals and an overnight stay if the delay is overnight. Your rights on delayed flights depend on the length of the flight and the delay. For example, on short haul flights where there is a delay of more than two hours, you should be provided with meals and refreshments, along with two free telephone calls, e-mails, telexes or faxes. For longer flights these entitlements apply after a delay of more than five hours.
You can find further information on our website at:
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/125/DBC_Advice.pdf
Package Holidays
If you have booked a package holiday your tour operator will be responsible for protecting your holiday and providing you with a suitable alternative holiday or a full refund. You should contact your travel agent or tour operator to arrange this.
Other protections
You should check your travel insurance as some policies will cover you if a journey or holiday is cancelled owing to the flight problems. However, if you have booked flights and accommodation separately you could lose any money that you have spent on hotel accommodation. If you paid by credit card, you may be able to claim the cost of the flight from your credit card provider.