Passengers all across the U.K. have been left stranded in airports as budget airline EasyJet experiences major disruptions. 723 flights have been rescheduled and a further 32 cancelled altogether, causing a knock-on effect in the airline’s wider network.
Why the disruptions?
EasyJet is currently facing severe disruption due to staffing challenges, heavy demand and airport congestion, according to The Express. The current spate of delays and cancellations have had a knock-on effect across the airline’s network, worsening the issue and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport.
Affected routes include those connecting London, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Berlin to the U.K.
This period of disruption comes as the European aviation network is seeing a significant increase in traffic, which has strained the airline further. The budget airline is also facing challenges created by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has seen jet fuel prices soar. In response, Chief Executive Kenton Jarvis has warned that some flights will see slight price increases to negate rising costs.
What now?
Further EasyJet flights are set to face disturbance next month, with those planning travel to Portugal in particular being urged to check their flights. Hundreds of flights are at risk of disruption during a planned nationwide strike, impacting several airlines including easyJet. The disruption is anticipated to affect major airports across Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto and Faro.
According to UK261 and EU261 regulations, passengers may be entitled to assistance, rebooking options, refunds, meals and accommodation support when their flights are impacted.
Ahead of an anticipated busy period over the coming months, authorities have advised customers to verify that their flights are taking place as scheduled prior to their arrival at the airport. Passengers should also have travel insurance details readily available to minimise delays and ensure they have reviewed their passenger rights.
Have you ever flown with EasyJet before? Do you think this large-scale disruption could have been prevented? Let us know in the comments below!
