Budget airline Flybe Flybe crisis: Hundreds of jobs and flights under threat after shock cancellations this morning due to "operational reasons", leaving hundreds of passengers stranded across the UK.
The airline blamed annual leave and a shortage of pilots for the disruptions - Flybe crisis: Hundreds of jobs and flights under threat after shock cancellations.
Bosses said staff are doing their best to "mitigate the impact of the current situation", which has seen 27 flights cancelled so far today.
It added that "all those affected have been emailed and advised they can re-book for travel on an alternative flight or apply for a full refund."
However, a statement warned "further updates" will be provided throughout the day, suggesting more cancellations could be on the cards.
Flybe crisis: Hundreds of jobs and flights under threat after shock cancellations
If your journey is called off, you are entitled to either an alternative flight or 100% of your money back. In either case, you could also be due compensation for the last minute inconvenience caused.
"All passengers affected by these cancellations are entitled to a full refund or to be rerouted on to another flight to their intended destination - and to over £200 compensation under European air travel rules," a Which? statement said.
Paloma Salmeron, expert on air passenger rights at AirHelp slammed the firm for failing to address compensation rights for those affected.
"Although Flybe has claimed that all customers affected have been emailed and advised they can rebook for travel on an alternative flight, or apply for a full refund, what the airline has failed to mention is that passengers are also eligible to claim compensation.
"Travellers booked on cancelled Flybe flights are currently under EC261 passenger rights protection. Under EU legislation, airlines must pay up to 600 EUR per person in compensation if they cancel a flight at short notice and the reason for the delay or cancellation is deemed to be the fault of the airline.
“EC261 covers all flights departing from the EU, as well as those arriving at an EU airport if operated by a European carrier. The amount of compensation owed is calculated from the length of the route."
Passengers affected by severe flight delays or cancellations can also claim compensation up to three years after their flight date.
