GROUNDED
Airline forced to cancel more flights as passengers told to ‘avoid the airport’
And what to do if your flight has been cancelled, including whether you can get compensation
AN airline has been forced to cancel even more flights just days after 1,000 were axed.
Strike action across Germany has resulted in huge numbers of flight cancellations, just one of many walkouts in recent months.
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Flag carrier Lufthansa previously cancelled flights for around 120,000 passengers earlier this week, affecting flights on Tuesday and Wednesday.
However, further action has also affected flights today, this time by security personnel.
Brits could be caught up in the cancellations, with the airline operating from UK airports such as London Heathrow, London City, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.
The airline said in a statement on the website: "The labor union Verdi has announced a strike by security personnel at the airports in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, and Karlsruhe/Baden Baden for Thursday, March 14th."
Passengers have been told to avoid the German airports if they are due to travel from one affected.
The website continues: "Security checks for transit areas will be closed. Access to the departure gates will therefore not be possible."
"We kindly ask all guests who wish to begin their journey at one of the mentioned airports on March 14th not to come to the respective airport."
The airline confirmed that affected passengers will be contacted and rebooked onto another flight.
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The majority of the routes fly to and from Munich and Frankfurt.
The strike earlier this week was conducted by cabin crew over a pay dispute.
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UFO union leader Joachim Vazquez Buerger said the strikes came after the airline reported record profits.
He said earlier this week: "On Thursday, the group announced a record result.
"The cabin crew have to be able to benefit from this success, and the efforts made during the Coronavirus crisis must be rewarded.
The airline's 2023 profits were €1.67billion (£1.42billion) compared to 2022's €791million.
But Lufthansa has been plagued by strike action in recent months, resulting in huge cancellations.
On February 7-8, 25,000 ground staff members walked out, with Lufthansa forced to cancel flights.
And on February 20, the airline was forced to cancel 90 per cent of it's planned flights, affecting 200,000 passengers.
But it's not just Lufthansa who has been affected by flight cancellations this year.
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Back in January, Finnair was forced to cancel a number of flights due to strikes across the country.
And Spanish airline Iberia cancelled 460 flights that same month, affecting 45,000 passengers.
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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.
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