16-October-2016
More than 60 United Airlines flights worldwide were delayed last week as a result of a “systems issue”, leading to speculation that a cyber attack might be to blame. However, with no hard evidence of an actual attack, many passengers affected will be entitled to compensation under EU laws.
According to statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority, from January to April 2016 alone nearly 3,000 flights leaving the UK were delayed by three hours or more. Delta Airlines – the world’s largest airline – suffered a worldwide systems failure in August which resulted in hundreds of flights being delayed or cancelled. The airline cited power problems at the time and said their systems had not been breached but this also led to speculation of a cyber attack.
In September, British Airways suffered a ‘problem with their check in system’, similarly causing long delays.
Airlines rely heavily on their computer systems to manage most aspects of their operations – from issuing boarding passes to managing luggage and cargo. Although they can fall back on manual operations, such processes can result in long delays and ultimately cancellations.
Have you been affected by an airline delay?
If you’ve been affected by a flight delay, you may be entitled to compensation. Passengers will be entitled to compensation where their flight is due to take off from an EU country or arrive in an EU country and it is delayed by 3 hours or more – provided that the delay was not due to extraordinary circumstances. If last week’s delays were in fact due to a cyber attack, passengers would not be entitled to compensation – however, because there is no actual evidence of an attack, there is a strong possibility that most passengers affected by delays of three hours or more will be able to claim.
You can claim up to 600 euros for each passenger affected by the delay, regardless of the price of your ticket – but you must make your claim within six years of the delay. To find out more get in touch with Debbie on 01704 532890 or 0151 928 6544, email debbie@breensonline.co.uk.
Read more about flight delay compensation claims and how we can help.
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