AN airline has been forced to cancel more than 400 flights just days before the Easter weekend.
Millions of Brits are expected to travel this weekend, taking advantage of the four-day break.
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But strike action in Europe is to cause huge problems this week.
Austrian Airlines flight crew are walking out both today (March 28) and tomorrow following a pay dispute.
This has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights, affecting as many as 50,000 passengers.
The airline has issued a warning on the website in response to the 36-hour walkout.
They said: “After a total of 17 negotiation rounds, the vida union and the Works Council for cabin crew continue to refuse to discuss our offer of a salary increase of up to 18 per cent for flight attendants and pilots, and up to 28 per cent for co-pilots.
“With this offer, the company has already moved beyond its economically feasible limit.
“Since last Sunday, no further discussions have taken place, with the employee representatives opting against finding a mutual solution.
“We cannot keep our passengers in union uncertainty until the last minute.
“Therefore, it has just been decided to cancel over 400 flights from March 28, 12am, until March 29, 12:00pm.”
A statement from the Vida union said they were “ready to negotiate at any time”.
Austrian Airlines have since said they were doing “everything possible to minimize inconvenience for passengers”.
Passengers will be rebooked onto the next available flight, or be issued a full refund.
A number of UK flights have already been affected today.
This includes a number from London Heathrow including:
- 9:05am London Heathrow to Vienna
- 10am London Heathrow to Vienna
- 2:45pm London Heathrow to Vienna
- 7:25pm London Heathrow to Vienna
Both the 9:05am and 10am London Heathrow to Vienna flights have been cancelled tomorrow as well.
Austria Airlines is under the Lufthansa group, with the German flag carrier forced to cancel thousands of flights in recent months as well.
On March 11, the airline cancelled 1,000 flights, affecting 120,000 passengers, due to ongoing strike action.
Back in February, the airline cancelled 90 per cent of it’s flights during a 35 hour strike.
And budget airline Transvania has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights this summer due to a shortage in planes.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
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In the UK, TUI has warned Brits heading to Palma to expect delays and airport queues due to strike action.
And anyone heading to Madeira may find their flight diverted due to bad weather, with Jet2 issuing a warning to passengers.
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.