Cancelled due to snow but other flights departed without issue?

accountant4596

Hi All

A few months ago my flight (within the EU) was cancelled due to snow at the departure airport. However many other flights successfully departed on the same afternoon, including many from the airline I was due to fly with.

I have written to them seeking compensation, they informed me I'm not entitled as the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances. I replied to say that many of their other flights departed when I was due to fly & they countered by saying Air Traffic Control are responsible for cancelling individual flights.

Just wondered where I stand on this, is it worth pursuing? It would also be helpful if there is a legal precedent.

Thanks

Centipede100

accountant4596 wrote: »

Hi All

A few months ago my flight (within the EU) was cancelled due to snow at the departure airport. However many other flights successfully departed on the same afternoon, including many from the airline I was due to fly with.

I have written to them seeking compensation, they informed me I'm not entitled as the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances. I replied to say that many of their other flights departed when I was due to fly & they countered by saying Air Traffic Control are responsible for cancelling individual flights.

Just wondered where I stand on this, is it worth pursuing? It would also be helpful if there is a legal precedent.

Thanks

It would help us a little if you gave us the date and flight number.

There is no precedent case law on this particular point to my knowledge.

Alan_Bowen

It is usual for ATC to reduce the number of landings and take offs in poor weather due to the need for aircraft to move more slowly on the ground, including getting too and from the runway and visibility is often also reduced which affects the flow of aircraft. I recall when we had the snow here in London a few weeks ago, Heathrow asked for a 30% reduction in flight departures on a number of days.

accountant4596

Thanks for your responses. The flight number was SK2535 (SAS Airlines) from Copenhagen to Birmingham on 9th Dec 2012.

Centipede100

accountant4596 wrote: »

Thanks for your responses. The flight number was SK2535 (SAS Airlines) from Copenhagen to Birmingham on 9th Dec 2012.

Having examined flightstats, it shows a number of cancellations and some significant delays that day due to adverse weather conditions. I think you would have a difficult time convincing a judge that the circumstances were not extraordinary under the meaning defined in the Reg.

accountant4596

Centipede100 wrote: »

Having examined flightstats, it shows a number of cancellations and some significant delays that day due to adverse weather conditions. I think you would have a difficult time convincing a judge that the circumstances were not extraordinary under the meaning defined in the Reg.

Not the answer I was hoping for but I suspect you're right. Many thanks for your help.