Airline claims air traffic control caused delay/cancellation - how do I check?

David_Boring

We were very recently waiting to board a plane for a booked holiday when we were informed the flight was cancelled. They (Easyjet) were unable to offer an alternative and therefore are (haven't yet) refunding the holiday cost. However we are unable to claim compensation for other costs (petrol, parking, overall hassle, etc) as they are saying it was due to air traffic control. My point is, how do I know that's the truth? Surely they could say that every time to get out of paying compensation? Is there any way of checking? Any responses kindly appreciated

bagand96

There's no open database of Air Traffic Control delays that the public can go and check. 

You have to rely on the information given to you by the airline at the time. In your situation it could be that the delay meant the crew would have been out of operating hours so the flight was cancelled or similar. You could check flight history on sites like FlightRadar24 and Flightera, they won't give an answer but may show the aircraft history and help build a picture. 

You can go back to easyJet and ask for further explanation, and if you still don't believe them you can take it to ADR or Small Claims Court - there would be a burden of proof on the airline in either of those processes.

Your travel insurance may cover you for some losses depending on the level of cover. 

eskbanker

David_Boring said:

We were very recently waiting to board a plane for a booked holiday when we were informed the flight was cancelled. They (Easyjet) were unable to offer an alternative and therefore are (haven't yet) refunding the holiday cost.

Just to be clear, are you referring to a package holiday booked via Easyjet Holidays?