Volcanic ash, blown south from Iceland over the UK and the rest of Northern Europe, has caused major disruption to the airline industry. UK air traffic control service (NATS) has banned flights in and out of UK airspace for safety reasons - the problem is that the ash is circulating at between 18,000 and 30,000 feet, the height at which jet planes fly and if it gets into jet engines, it can cause severe damage. It can get into the cabin too, contaminating the environment.

With passengers unable to board in the UK or overseas, the disruption is costing airlines, particularly long-haul, a significant amount of money.  The European Commission has said that consumer rights for people travelling in or to Europe on European carriers are unaffected and ticket refunds or the reasonable cost of food and accommodation for passengers would continue to be payable by airlines.

Unlike the recent strike action, this disruption was unforeseen and there are likely to be ongoing problems with planes being grounded suddenly without the opportunity for airlines to plan ahead when normal service resumes. Airlines are offering to re-book for future flights but if this is not suitable, ticket refunds are available.

Travel Insurance

Most travel insurance policies cover delay and cancellation costs although the benefit on some covers will not trigger for trips within the UK.

Travel policies will pay a set benefit for delays extending longer than a minimum qualification period (different insurers have different time scales) on international departures but insurers will expect statutory rights to have been exercised.

Cancellation cover usually pays if one of a number of specified causes results in the cancellation of a trip but the current circumstances are unlikely to give grounds for cover to operate with some insurers.

Oval's advice is to contact your travel agent or airline in the first instance to see what compensation is available but if you do need to make a claim, make sure you have written confirmation from the airline of your booked travel arrangements, the reason for the delay and the duration of your inconvenience.

For more information please contact your account service team.