A major disruption has hit London Heathrow Airport today, as all flights have been cancelled due to a fire at a nearby electricity substation. With more than 1,300 journeys affected, passengers are being urged to stay away from the airport. Heathrow has officially announced that it will remain closed until 11:59 PM on Friday, creating significant challenges for travellers.
In light of the Heathrow shutdown, other airports have stepped in to accommodate diverted flights, providing some relief to affected passengers. However, this may not be enough to counteract the widespread travel disruptions, leaving many wondering about their rights in this situation.
What are your rights during flight delays or cancellations?
If your flight is affected by the Heathrow closure, UK law ensures you have rights if your flight departs from a UK airport, arrives at a UK airport on a UK/EU airline or arrives at an EU airport on a UK airline.
Where a flight is cancelled, the airline must either give you a refund or book you on an alternative flight. If your booking is via a travel agent, contact them directly to find out what your options are.
If your flight is significantly delayed or cancelled, airlines are required to offer the following until they can get you to your destination:
- Food and drink – A reasonable amount provided based on the waiting time
- Communication – Refunds for necessary calls or emails
- Accommodation – If you are re-routed the following day
- Transport – To and from your accommodation or home if feasible
Your ability to claim compensation or alternative travel arrangements may also depend on your travel insurance policy. Different insurers handle delays and cancellations in different ways, so it’s important to check your policy details.
Does travel insurance cover for airport closures?
Some insurers only cover specific events such as strikes, mechanical breakdowns, or adverse weather, while others provide broader coverage for alternative travel and accommodation arrangements. However, exclusions often apply.
Many policies do not cover disruptions caused by regulatory decisions, such as the closure of Heathrow by the Civil Aviation Authority. Additionally, some insurers exclude any costs that can be recovered from airlines, travel agents, or compensation schemes like ATOL.
Other policies may offer travel disruption cover if no suitable alternative transport is provided within a set timeframe, typically six to twelve hours after a cancellation. Some insurers may reimburse costs for alternative transport if a significant delay occurs, while others only step in if the delay exceeds 24 hours.
To make a successful claim, keep all receipts and document any communication with your airline. If you’re unsure about your coverage, contact your insurer directly to clarify what support is available in your situation.
Here to help
If you find yourself affected by the current travel disruptions at Heathrow, review your travel insurance policy carefully. You’ll need to speak with your airline or travel operator in the first instance and prior to incurring accommodation charges or expenses.
Your Howden team is here to help, as all the chaos and confusion of such an event can be extremely stressful. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or queries about your policy.