Primera cancelled return flight on 22nd June 2018

stealthy_singh

Hi all,

I had flights booked from Birmingham to New York to leave on 22/06/18 and return on 29/06/18.

We've had an email saying our flight 29/06/18 has been cancelled due to a delay in delivery of an order of airplanes from Airbus.

We have decided to ask for a refund and book a new flight with Norwegian. This is because Primera couldn't guarantee the flight dates and we have dates that we need to be in New York. Travelling on other dates would be useless. They specifically asked for communication via email rather than telephone due to the number of people affected.

They offered us a new flight or a refund, both could take up to 7 days to process due to the number of people affected. However originally I thought both of our flights were cancelled but closer inspection showed the email only referred to our flight on the 29/06/18 - the return flight. But on the website it states that all flights after 21/06/18 are affected. It was on this basis that we booked new return flights with Norwegian. We had to act quick as prices were going up and we could get on the phone with Primera.

Our flights on Norwegian were more expensive. Now according to MSE guide we can't claim compensation if they advise us of the cancellation more than 2 weeks in advance. However this has had a material effect on the cost of our holiday. Is there no way in which we can claim this from Primera? Or would it be possible to claim on travel insurance?

I can't link the page for the announcement but have copied the text below:

6/5/2018 7:00:00 AM
Due to prolonged Airbus delays of the A321neo fleet Primera Air is forced to suspend all flights from Birmingham to New York and Toronto for Summer 2018.

Further delivery delays by Airbus of its A321neo fleet ordered by Primera Air has resulted in the cancellation of this summer’s scheduled flights to New York and Toronto from Birmingham Airport. This will take effect from 21st June 2018. Passengers travelling before this date will not be affected.



All affected passengers have been informed of this news today. Our priority is ensuring that all affected passengers are compensated in compliance with EU261/2004. All affected passengers have been offered a full refund option as well as alternative travel arrangements from London Stansted. We are committed to handling all passenger queries as quickly as possible and have expanded our customer service team, who are ready to offer immediate assistance and information.



Andri M!r Ing!lfsson, CEO of Primera Air says: “The plans for the transatlantic routes have been in the making for over a year and both Primera Air and Birmingham Airport have put a lot of effort into promoting the new routes, which were welcomed by the region. Unfortunately we did not anticipate such severe Airbus delays and the prolonged hold-up has forced us to make this difficult and disappointing decision.” The airline plans to return to Birmingham with long-haul operations in 2019, when the Airbus fleet will be delivered.



Primera Air is fully dedicated to providing low-cost long-haul services for UK travelers and our transatlantic services will continue as normal from London Stansted Airport, where we are using our first two A321neo airliners, therefore ensuring operational reliability with our own fleet. Our current flights to Malaga, Mallorca, Barcelona and Crete, our intention to launch new short-haul routes later this year and our long-term transatlantic plans for Birmingham Airport are not impacted by this decision.



We are committed to minimizing any disruption and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience this may cause. We invite all affected passengers to contact Primera Air Customer Service via phone, email or website chat for assistance and more information.



All passengers affected please contact irregularity@primeraair.com.

jpsartre

You have a right to rerouting and Primera should arguably cover the difference between your cancelled flight (i.e. the inbound flight) and the new flight you had to purchase. You wouldn't be due anything for the outbound flight since that wasn't cancelled. Be prepared that you will likely have to fight to get a result.

stealthy_singh

Correction both flights were cancelled I found out from my fiance that she got two emails that cancelled each flight separately.

Bayne

You have a right to rerouting and Primera should arguably cover the difference between your cancelled flight (i.e. the inbound flight) and the new flight you had to purchase. You wouldn't be due anything for the outbound flight since that wasn't cancelled. Be prepared that you will likely have to fight to get a result.

jpsartre

stealthy_singh wrote: »

Correction both flights were cancelled I found out from my fiance that she got two emails that cancelled each flight separately.

In that case what I said applies to both flights.

jogsuk

hi,

the same as happened to me;
same airline;
Birmingham to Toronto;
fly out 10th July and back Aug 2nd; its over two weeks warning / notice.

They have offered to reroute via Stanstead or refund.
Am i expected to cover the cost of travel as i booked from Birmingham
because i live close to the airport;

any advise would be useful;

thanks

jpsartre

jogsuk wrote: »

They have offered to reroute via Stanstead or refund.
Am i expected to cover the cost of travel as i booked from Birmingham

The airline should cover this. Whether they will is another question.

Caz3121

They did a batch of cancellations in January also, here is the thread...same answers should apply here
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5783968/primera-air-advance-cancellation-my-rights

bagand96

What a complete and utter shambles. To pull an entire season of long haul flying with just over two weeks notice!