BRITONS could face travel misery this summer as airlines are forced to cancel more than 100 flights as the Olympics begin in Paris.
EasyJet alone canceled close to 100 flights, while Ryanair and Wizz Air also warned passengers about the disruption.
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EasyJet had to cancel almost 100 flightsCredit: AFP
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Wizz Air and Ryanair flights are also affectedCredit: Getty
The cancellations come as a result of a no-fly zone covering 28,922 square miles ordered by DGAC, France’s civil aviation authority.
The move is being made to coincide with the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics amid heightened fears of a terrorist attack.
The no-fly zone will be established on Friday, July 26, in the afternoon and evening, at the very beginning of the summer holidays.
The DGAC described the operation as “the creation of a temporary restricted zone (ZIT) for a certain air traffic security system, linked to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris”.
This means that some French airports will not be able to accept arrivals, and departures will also not be able to take off.
Aircraft flying overhead will also be affected.
Paris’s two main airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, will experience major disruptions, and the smaller base of low-cost airlines, Beauvis, will also face problems.
Flights to Paris airports will be refused from 17:30 local time, while departures from Charles de Gaulle can only resume at 23:30 local time with special approval.
That’s according to The International Ops Bulletin, a membership organization for people involved in international flights.
EasyJet has already canceled 96 flights, affecting around 18,000 people.
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An easyJet spokesperson told The Independent: “Like all airlines flying to and from Paris, easyJet has been asked to reduce its flight schedule for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games on Friday 26 July 2024.
“This resulted in the cancellation of 96 flights at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly.”
Meanwhile, Ryanair is also facing redundancies.
The low-cost airline is the largest operator in Beauvais, from where it flies to four UK airports – Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford and Manchester.
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Ryanair has informed affected passengers of their optionsCredit: Getty
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No-fly zone over ParisCredit: SIA/DGAC
Affected passengers were warned of the cancellations and advised of their options.
The spokesperson added: “Due to the closure of Paris airspace on 26 July, we, like all airlines, have been forced to cancel/reschedule a number of flights to/from Beauvais Airport on that day.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused as a result of this closure of Paris airspace, which is completely outside the control of the airlines.”
Other airlines, including Wizz Air, are likely to be affected, although the low-cost airline said it expected only minor delays, with only two flights canceled so far.
It advises passengers flying on July 26 to keep an eye on their flight status and expect delays at airports.
Sun Travel has also contacted British Airways for comment.
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is canceled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines must provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you are flying to or from the UK, your airline must allow you to choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get a refund for the portion of the ticket that you have not yet used.
So if you have booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get a refund of the full cost of the return ticket.
But if the trip is essential, then your airline must find you an alternative flight. It could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline does not have to refund you if the flight is canceled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, strikes by air traffic control employees or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ do not qualify for compensation.
Some airlines may extend the definition of “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, travel insurance can reimburse you.
Policies vary so you should check the fine print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours usually means you are entitled to 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 completely cancelled, it is unlikely that you will be covered by insurance.
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Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports will be heavily affected by the no-fly zoneCredit: Getty
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