(16/04/2010)

Passengers Delayed by Iceland Volcanic Ash Face Compensation Battle

Passengers caught up in the travel chaos caused by the volcanic ash cloud could face a complicated battle for compensation.

British airspace has been completely closed for the first time in history, as a thick ash cloud from an erupted volcano in Iceland sweeps across the UK and Europe.

All planes were grounded on Thursday morning, and have remained so ever since, as the ash cloud could cause catastrophic failures should it get into a plane’s engines.

Although many airlines are offering stranded passengers refunds and transfers onto later flights, many passengers will be left out of pocket due to loss of other holiday arrangements, such as hotels and airport transfers.

Furthermore, the fact that the chaos has been caused by a natural disaster means that a lot of travellers may not be covered by their insurance policies.

The volcanic ash cloud is the latest in a number of travel disruptions to hit the UK in 2010, following the chaos caused by the heavy snowfall earlier in the year, as well as the British Airways strikes.

A spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents said: “There won’t be any compensation because it’s a natural disaster but contractually refunds would be available if the flight is cancelled... lots of airlines will be looking to reschedule if they can.”

All affected passengers are advised to check with their airlines and tour operators for further information.

Ref: HSLP0101AA300

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