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Traveler entitlements during airport work stoppages: Understanding the legal standpoints

Airline disruptions, such as strikes, are often considered external factors that the airline has little control over.

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Traveler entitlements during airport disruptions: Understanding one's rights
Traveler entitlements during airport disruptions: Understanding one's rights

Summer 2025 is expected to be a busy travel season, with potential delays and disruptions affecting various airports worldwide. Antalya Airport in Turkey, for instance, may experience delays due to high passenger volume. Poland faced temporary airport closures earlier this year due to drone intrusions, while airports in Sardinia (Olbia) and Moldova (Chișinău) are bracing for increased wait times and potential delays due to peak travel. Germany is also experiencing significant railway disruptions between Berlin and Munich, which may indirectly impact flights.

In such situations, it's essential for travellers to be informed and prepared. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Flight Cancellations: If your flight is cancelled due to a strike, the airline is obligated to provide an alternative means of transportation (e.g., train or bus). If they do not proactively offer an alternative connection, passengers can set a clear deadline and book a replacement flight themselves.
  2. Compensation: Passengers are entitled to claim compensation under EU air passenger rights regulation when a flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours, unless a strike at an airport is considered an extraordinary circumstance. Strikes within the airline (e.g., pilots, cabin crew) may result in compensation, as it is an internal company decision. On the other hand, strikes outside the airline (e.g., airport staff, air traffic controllers) are usually considered unavoidable, and the airline is not obligated to provide compensation.
  3. Missed Connecting Flights: Information about the rights passengers have in such situations will be provided. Passengers are entitled to alternative transportation if a flight is cancelled due to a strike.
  4. Additional Expenses: Passengers should collect all receipts for additional expenses, including alternative flight tickets, meals, drinks, or accommodation, to claim a refund. If the airline does not provide alternative transportation, passengers can claim the costs of self-organized onward travel.
  5. Stay Informed: Receipts for food, drinks, or overnight stays should be kept carefully during the waiting time due to a strike. Summer 2025: Information about expected flight delays will be available on our website, about ourwebsite.
  6. Tour Operators: Package travelers should also contact the tour operator as they are the contracting party and responsible. The website's email address is [email protected].
  7. Withdrawal and Refunds: Passengers who no longer wish to travel can withdraw from the flight and demand a refund of the ticket price if a flight is cancelled due to a strike. During the waiting time due to a strike, food and, if necessary, hotel accommodation are provided to passengers.
  8. Life and Work Abroad: The website also provides information about life and work abroad in German language.

Remember, these guidelines are designed to help you navigate potential travel disruptions. Always check the latest information on our website for the most accurate details. Safe travels!

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