Dublin Airport Flight Cancellations: What You Need To Know

Flights from Dublin Airport are sometimes cancelled due to a variety of reasons, including storms, industrial action by pilots, and strikes by air traffic control. In such cases, passengers may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 per person under European law EC 261. This law covers departures from Dublin Airport to anywhere and arrivals at Dublin Airport from inside and outside the EU. Passengers can claim compensation for flight cancellations or delays that result in a delay of three hours or more in reaching their final destination. However, it is important to note that there are exceptions to compensation, such as cancellations due to dangerous weather conditions or strikes, which are considered extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the airline.

Compensation for cancelled flights

If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either a full refund or a replacement flight to get you to your destination. If you are part-way through your journey and do not want a replacement flight, you also have the right to a return flight to your original point of departure.

How to Claim Compensation

To claim compensation for a cancelled flight, you will need to contact the airline. This must be the airline operating the flight, even if you booked through another airline. You can usually do this by searching their website or calling their customer services department. When you get in touch, make sure you have all your flight details and booking reference numbers to hand.

The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on several factors:

• When the flight was cancelled
• The distance of the flight
• The departure and arrival times of the rescheduled flight

Exceptions

You are not entitled to compensation if:

• You received at least two weeks' notice of the cancellation
• You received between one and two weeks' notice, but the airline offered an alternative flight that departed no more than one hour before the original time and arrived less than two hours after the original time
• You received less than one week's notice, but the airline offered an alternative flight that departed no more than one hour before the original time and arrived less than four hours after the original time
• The airline can prove that the cancellation was caused by an extraordinary circumstance beyond their control

Other Entitlements

If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you free meals and refreshments, as well as accommodation if you are delayed overnight, along with transport between the hotel and the airport. You are also entitled to make two free phone calls, send faxes, or access the internet.

Aer Lingus cancellations due to industrial action

On June 20, 2024, Aer Lingus assessed the impact of the IALPA industrial action that was scheduled to commence on June 26. The indefinite "work to rule" action was expected to severely disrupt passengers during the peak of the summer season, causing many flight cancellations, some of which might happen close to the time of travel.

To protect as many services as possible, Aer Lingus decided to cancel between 10% and 20% of their flights during the first five days of the industrial action (June 26 to June 30). These cancellations were to be implemented over the next two days, and customers were to be notified over the following couple of days.

Aer Lingus offered several options to customers who were scheduled to travel between June 26 and July 2. They could change their flights for free, cancel their flight and claim a refund, or cancel their flight and claim a voucher. This information was communicated directly to impacted customers, travel agents, and the Aer Lingus 'Travel Advisory' page.

The IALPA industrial action was expected to cause significant disruption to flight schedules and impact customers travelling during the peak holiday season. Aer Lingus stated that their focus was on minimizing the impact on customers and providing clear communication about the available options. They also mentioned that they would work with other airlines and seek to hire aircraft to accommodate affected customers.

During industrial action, airlines are obliged to inform passengers of their options, which may include re-routing or refunds. If you are impacted by flight cancellations or delays, you may have rights to refunds, re-routing, care, and, in some cases, compensation, depending on the specific circumstances.

Cancelled flights due to storms

Dublin Airport has had its fair share of disruptions due to storms, with flights grounded and passengers left stranded. One such incident occurred in January 2024 when Storm Isha battered Ireland's capital city. The impact of the storm was so severe that airlines cancelled over 100 flights to and from Dublin Airport, leaving travellers with no choice but to seek alternative arrangements or endure lengthy delays.

The Impact of Storms on Aviation

Strong winds and adverse weather conditions can significantly impact air travel, leading to cancellations, delays, and even diversions to other airports. In the case of Storm Isha, the storm's intensity was anticipated, and Dublin Airport was placed under an orange weather warning, signifying the potential for substantial disruption. As a result, airlines took precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, opting to cancel flights rather than risk encountering treacherous conditions.

Passenger Rights and Compensation

When flights are cancelled due to storms, passengers are protected by European law, specifically EC 261. This legislation entitles passengers to compensation of up to €600 per person for cancellations or delays caused by factors beyond their control. This includes disruptions arising from adverse weather conditions, ensuring that travellers are not left financially burdened due to circumstances beyond their control.

The Role of Meteorology

Meteorological services play a crucial role in aviation safety and operations. In the case of Storm Isha, Ireland's national meteorological service, Met Eireann, issued the orange weather warning, alerting authorities and the public to the potential dangers posed by the storm. These warnings are essential for airlines and airports to make informed decisions regarding flight operations, ensuring they prioritise the safety and well-being of passengers and staff.

Managing Cancellations

When flights are cancelled due to storms, passengers are advised to take several steps to manage the situation. These include collecting proof of the cancellation, retaining all travel documents, and staying informed about their rights and entitlements. Passengers may also request that the airline cover meals and refreshments during the delay, and it is important to not sign anything that waives their right to compensation.

Cancelled flights and passenger rights

As a passenger, it's important to know your rights when it comes to cancelled or delayed flights. While it's never fun to have your travel plans disrupted, there are laws and regulations in place that protect passengers in these situations. Here's what you need to know about your rights and what you can expect when dealing with cancelled flights.

Regulations and Rights

In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has implemented rules that protect passengers in the event of flight cancellations or significant delays. These rules include the right to receive automatic refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed flights, as well as refunds for add-on fees such as checked bags, extra legroom seats, or other ancillary charges that you paid for but did not receive.

According to European law, specifically EC 261, passengers departing from or arriving at EU and EEA countries, as well as certain "outermost regions," may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 per person in the event of flight cancellations or delays. This regulation also applies to flights to Dublin Airport and provides protection for passengers affected by disruptions.

It's important to note that there are some exceptions to these regulations. For example, if a flight is cancelled or delayed due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the airline, such as dangerous weather conditions, air traffic control strikes, or mechanical issues, passengers may not be eligible for compensation.

What to Do if Your Flight is Cancelled

If your flight is cancelled, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation or assistance you are entitled to:

• Collect proof of the cancellation, such as emails from the airline or photos of the departure board.
• Keep all your travel documents, including tickets, boarding passes, and receipts for any additional expenses incurred due to the cancellation.
• Ask the airline to provide meals and refreshments during the delay, especially if it extends for a significant amount of time.
• Pay attention to what the airline offers and be cautious about signing anything that may waive your right to compensation.
• Keep all receipts for any extra costs incurred due to the cancellation, such as meals, accommodation, or alternative transportation.
• Familiarize yourself with the regulations and your rights as a passenger to know what compensation or assistance you are entitled to.

Passenger Protections During Delays

In addition to cancellations, flight delays can also cause significant disruptions to travel plans. Here are some key points to know about your rights during delays:

• Under DOT regulations, airlines are required to provide meals, cash for meals, or meal vouchers for delays of three hours or longer, regardless of the cause of the delay.
• Most major US carriers also guarantee hotel accommodations and ground transportation for delays that result in an unexpected overnight stay, except for Frontier Airlines.
• Airlines are not required to compensate passengers for delays, but you can always ask. The worst they can say is "no."
• If you are stuck on the plane during a delay, airlines are required to provide food and drinking water after two hours and must allow passengers to deplane after three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights.

While flight cancellations and delays can be frustrating, knowing your rights as a passenger can help you navigate these situations more effectively. Remember to stay informed, keep proper documentation, and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself to ensure you receive the compensation or assistance you are entitled to.

What to do if your flight is cancelled

While there is no indication that flights are cancelled at Dublin Airport, here is some general information on what to do if your flight is cancelled.

First, it is important to know your rights as a passenger. Under EU Regulation 261, passengers whose flights depart from or arrive at a UK or EU airport on a UK or EU airline are protected. This includes Dublin Airport. If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either a full refund or a replacement flight to your original destination. Additionally, if you were informed of the cancellation less than two weeks before your flight, you may be owed compensation of up to €600 per person.

If your flight is cancelled, follow these steps:

• Ask an airline representative for the reason for the cancellation and collect evidence, such as written documentation or photos of the departure board.
• Keep all your travel documents, including your boarding pass.
• Ask the airline to cover meals and refreshments during the delay.
• Pay attention to what the airline offers and do not sign anything that waives your right to compensation.
• Keep all receipts for any extra expenses incurred due to the cancellation.
• Submit a claim to the airline for compensation, following their specific procedures and deadlines.

Remember, if your flight is cancelled, act quickly to rebook or make alternative arrangements. The longer you wait, the fewer options will be available, and you may be left with limited choices.

Frequently asked questions