Am I entitled to compensation over my cancelled flight?
QStephen contacted Smart Consumer about his flight that was cancelled back in January, when snowy weather rather than ash clouds was grounding flights.
Stephen and three others were booked to fly with Aer Lingus to Munich but their flight was cancelled and so they were booked on a flight the following day.
Stephen was told that the reason for the cancellation was 'adverse weather conditions'.
However, Stephen received email confirmation from Munich airport saying that the airport was still open.
Stephen believes that the reason for the cancellation of the flight was within the control of the airline and so he, and his fellow travellers, should be entitled to additional financial compensation under the terms of the EU Regulation governing air passenger rights.
AStephen knows his stuff and is correct in saying that if the reason for a cancelled flight was within the control of the airline, rather than something outside of their control like adverse weather conditions for example, then he is entitled to financial compensation of €250 for a flight under 1,500km.
Smart Consumer contacted Aer Lingus and a spokesperson replied:
"I can confirm that flight EI 352 from Dublin to Munich on 7 January 2010, was cancelled as a result of adverse weather conditions.
"As safety is Aer Lingus' number one priority, a decision was taken to cancel the flight on that basis.
"We cannot comment on the operation of other airlines on that day. Adverse weather conditions constitute extraordinary circumstances, and as such, no compensation is due under Regulation (EC) 261/2004."
If Stephen wants to pursue this further he can submit a complaint to the Commission for Aviation Regulation, who can investigate further.
Irish Independent
