About 500 flights were cancelled yesterday following the power outage in Spain and Portugal. If you were affected by the blackout, you may be eligible for free alternative travel options but you’ll need to act quickly. EasyJet is providing passengers who have been affected by yesterday’s blackout with the option to rebook onto another flight within 72 hours at no extra cost or receive a travel voucher for future use.
The airline cancelled four flights to and from Bristol, as well as a round-trip from Luton, The Independent reported. Easyjet wrote yesterday: “As the situation remains fluid, we are advising customers to check local travel advice and our flight tracker for information on their flights.
“For passengers who are in Spain or Portugal and unable to travel to the airport today, we are providing free of charge transfers to an alternative easyJet flight within 72 hours or a flight voucher.”
Some airlines like Easyjet may offer vouchers instead of a refund.
Ivaylo Danailov, CEO at airline compensation specialists SkyRefund, said: ”In light of today’s widespread power outage across Spain and Portugal, which has caused significant disruptions to air travel, passengers should be aware of their rights under EU Regulation 261/2004.
“While such outages are considered extraordinary circumstances—meaning airlines are not obligated to provide financial compensation—they are still required to offer assistance. This includes providing meals and refreshments for delays over two hours, accommodation and transport for overnight delays, and communication facilities.
“If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a choice between a full refund or alternative transportation to your final destination at the earliest opportunity. Should you incur any expenses due to the disruption, retain all receipts to facilitate reimbursement claims.”
The airline can avoid compensation, however, if the delay or cancellation is caused by “extraordinary circumstances,” such as the power outage in Spain and Portugal.
Ryanair says: “Only a small number of claims will be eligible for compensation. Most delays/cancellations are out of Ryanair’s control.
“Airlines are exempt from the obligation to compensate in these circumstances.”
Make sure to contact your airline as soon as possible to either request a voucher or reschedule your flight.
