Compensation Rules Cancelled Flights

toolman_2

Recently BA cancelled my flight from Birmingham to Malpensa 20mins before departure. I have read the EU regulations and believe that I am eligible for 250euro compensation. I have applied thought the BA website to be told that I am not eligible due to the cancellation being ‘exceptional circumstances’ I do not believe this to be the case as we joined another flight from Heathrow which only had about 70 or 80 passengers on board and there was aprox 40 passengers that were transferred from the original flight. I feel that the cancellation was due to lack of passengers. I will pursue this clam through the Air Transport Users Council and the county courts. Any advice would be appreciated. Is this a get out clause for the airlines or do they have to prove the reason for the cancellation?

dmg24

Could I ask what the 'exceptional circumstances' were?

toolman_2

'Exceptional circumstances’ that’s the six million dollar question? I still have not been informed what the cause of the cancellation was, and I asked at the time of the cancellation and no information was forthcoming from the BA staff at the airport. The weather was good, visibility was good and all other flights were departing from the airport? I personally think that the decision to cancel the flight was a financial decision as the flight we joined only had about 60 passengers on an aircraft (A320) that carries aprox 300 passengers!

richardw

I think the rules should make it compulsory for airlines to issue a notice in writing to each passenger stating the reason for the flight cancellation.

toolman_2

After getting no response from BA via email or phone, i have now made my request directly for compensation under the EC Regulation No 261/2004 to the CEA by regestered delivery.