As the busy half-term vacation came to a close, travellers hoping to return home faced widespread flight disruptions. EasyJet, one of the main airlines affected, was forced to cancel multiple UK-bound flights, leaving families with limited options and rising expenses.
Strong thunderstorms that swept throughout northern Europe and the Balearic Islands were the main cause of the interruptions. The number of planes permitted to land or take off from Palma Airport was severely limited due to severe ATC limitations brought on by these weather conditions.
Less than ten flights, many of which were run by EasyJet, were completely cancelled, despite more than 120 planes experiencing delays. Airlines may be able to refund stranded passengers for their lodging expenses, but they are not required to provide compensation because of “extraordinary circumstances” brought on by weather and ATC decisions.
Families in Britain were among the most severely affected. Some had to make last-minute alterations to their vacation plans and pay more for lodging and transportation since their flights were rescheduled to locations far from their planned destinations, such as Belfast, Bournemouth, and Liverpool.
Long lines, little airline assistance, and unclear communication about other options were all complaints from irate travellers. What was supposed to be a leisurely vacation became a logistical headache for many due to the additional stress of missing work or school.
