12 June 2023 , 09:44
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More than 15,000 easyJet passengers have been hit by flight cancellations due to severe weather.
The airline axed 54 flights scheduled to take off or depart from Gatwick Airport on Sunday because of storms, with a further 55 grounded on Monday.
Gatwick warned that more storms are expected on Monday.
An easyJet spokeswoman said: "Thunderstorms in the Gatwick area which restricted the number of arrivals and departures on Sunday unfortunately resulted in disruption at London Gatwick Airport, including some diversions and cancellations which is having a knock-on impact this morning as a number of aircraft are out of position.
"We are doing all possible to minimise the impact on our customers, providing those on cancelled flights with options to rebook or receive a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required.
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Have you been affected by the easyJet cancellations? Email us at [email protected]
The airline has axed around 54 flights (PA)"The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is easyJet's highest priority and, while this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused."
When the Mirror looked at the Gatwick departures schedule, it seems that other airline such as British Airways and TUI have not announced cancellations - although there were a small number of flights delayed later in the afternoon.
A Gatwick airport spokeswoman said: "Due to unsettled weather conditions and thunderstorms across the south of England and Europe yesterday, temporary air traffic restrictions were put in place, which resulted in some flights being delayed and cancelled.
"London Gatwick apologises to passengers for any inconvenience. Further thunderstorms are expected today, so passengers should contact their airline for further information."
Jayne Thompson shared a photo on Twitter of passengers waiting in long queues at Gatwick on Sunday (twitter.com/JayneAThompson)Frustrated passengers took to Twitter on Sunday night, sharing photos of long queues at the airport and calling the situation a "farce".
Passenger Jayde Thompson wrote: "Total chaos in Gatwick tonight! Multiple cancelled flights, no support, no local hotels with availability, login to manage booking jammed, 2 staff on the floor swamped by 1000s of panicking travellers. Totally unacceptable."
Meanwhile, Gatwick Express, which runs non-stop trains between the airport and central London, was suspended on Monday.
The operator said this was due to "urgent repairs to the track" after a set of points - which allow trains to move from one line to another - were damaged in the East Croydon area.
Passengers travelling to or from the airport were advised to use Southern and Thameslink services, which are slower as they stop at intermediate stations.
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Unfortunately for passengers affected by the cancellations, it's unlikely that you'll be entitled to getting your money back.
Because the cancellations are due to the severe weather, easyJet could claim 'extraordinary circumstances' - aka that the situation is outside of their control.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, extraordinary circumstances can cover 'weather conditions incompatible with the safe operation of the flight'.
If you booked flights and accommodation separately, it's worth checking your travel insurance details if a flight delay means you can't use part of a booking ie a hotel stay or car hire etc. Check your policy and get in touch with your insurance provider who can advise on what you're covered for.
Jo Rhodes, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel, said: "Thousands of travellers will be frustrated to have had their plans thrown into disarray as a result of thunderstorms over Gatwick.
"While easyJet does not have to pay compensation for these cancellations, it must offer affected passengers the option of a refund or to be rerouted at the earliest opportunity - even if this means booking seats with a rival carrier to ensure minimal delay.
"If delayed for more than two hours, passengers will be entitled to assistance such as free meals or refreshments, and overnight accommodation if required."