Flight disruptions in Spain lead to travel chaos for approximately 200,000 Italians; learn how to seek compensation for cancelled flights.

Flight disruptions in Spain lead to travel chaos for approximately 200,000 Italians; learn how to seek compensation for cancelled flights.

Spain and Portugal Blackout: What Travelers Can Claim

Wondering what to do if your flight gets canceled or delayed due to the recent blackout in Spain and Portugal? Here's a breakdown of your rights and options.

"Hey there jetsetter, facing trouble due to yesterdays blackout chaos in Spain and Portugal? Here's your essential guide to asserting your rights and navigating through the mess."

After the massive blackout on the 12th, electricity has been almost fully restored. However, the aftermath has left thousands of travelers stranded with flight and train cancellations and delays. If you're one of the affected, here's what you should know:

Lisbon-Portela was the airport most affected, with 68 outgoing flights canceled, 59 incoming flights canceled, 81 outgoing flights delayed, and 35 incoming flights delayed. Barcelona-El Prat also experienced turmoil, with 47 cancellations (both departures and arrivals) and 312 aircraft delayed (both departures and arrivals). Madrid-Barajas was another hard hit, suffering 414 aircraft delays, both departures and arrivals.

"With chaos reigning in Spain and Portugal, particularly at Lisbon-Portela, Barcelona-El Prat, and Madrid-Barajas, thousands of travelers found themselves stuck in the midst of cancellations and delays. Know your rights and what you can do to mitigate the destructive fallout."

Issue-Specific Advice

[Dealing with ongoing disruptions] "Facing difficulties in reaching your destination due to blocked connections? No technical conditions allow us to step foot in our booked destination in travel contracts. Consider reconsidering your departure, as it's a valid option in such circumstances."

[Services resumed] "If the area where you're traveling to has restored full functionality of services, the force majeure ceases to exist. In this situation, common sense and collaboration with travel agencies and tour operators come into play for finding alternative solutions."

Compensation and Assistance

Travelers affected by the air disruptions related to the blackout have the right to refunds and assistance, as specified by EU Regulation 261/2004. Here's a quick breakdown:

[Compensation] - Eligibility: Compensation is granted in case of delays, cancellations, or overbooking, but exemptions may apply if disruptions are deemed extraordinary circumstances outside the airline's control (some blackout cases may fall under this category). - Amount: Up to €600 per passenger, depending on the flight's distance and disruption circumstances.

[Right to Care] - Assistance Provided: Depending on the waiting time and flight distance, passengers are entitled to meals, drinks, and assistance (e.g., hotels for overnight stays). - Distance-Based Assistance: The more you travel, the more rights you have! Check out the chart below for details:

[Refund or Rebooking] - Passengers can opt for a refund or rebooking on the next available flight if their flight is canceled.

[Claim Procedures] - Claims can be submitted through platforms like ConciliaWeb, or seek assistance from companies specializing in EU261 claims.

Important Considerations

If the blackout is determined an extraordinary circumstance, compensation under EU261 may not be granted. However, passengers should still receive assistance (e.g., food, beverages) as outlined above if the disruption causes significant waiting times.

The protection offered by EU261 extends to anyone flying with a European airline within the EU or departing from an EU airport with any airline, and also to flights arriving at an EU airport operated by a European airline.

[Extraordinary circumstances potentially exempting compensation] "+If the blackout meets the criteria of an extraordinary circumstance, compensation under EU261 may not be dispensed. Nonetheless, passengers should still receive basic assistance (e.g., food, beverages) during significant waiting periods."**

"EU261 offers protection to anyone flying with an EU airline within the EU, departing from an EU airport, or arriving at an EU airport operated by an EU airline, even for flights operated by non-EU airlines. Keep this in mind as you decide your next course of action."

1. "Despite the restoration of electricity following the chaos caused by the blackout in Spain and Portugal, countless travelers continue to face ongoing disruptions at Lisbon-Portela, Barcelona-El Prat, and Madrid-Barajas airports."
2. "If you're finding it difficult to reach your destination due to blocked connections as a result of these disruptions, reconsidering your departure could prove a viable option, given the flexibility offered in such circumstances."
3. "As services at your destination have been restored and the blackout can no longer be deemed a force majeure, it is essential to collaborate with travel agencies and tour operators to find alternative solutions."
4. "For travelers who experienced air disruptions related to the blackout, EU Regulation 261/2004 provides the right to refunds and assistance, with compensation ranging from €600 per passenger, depending on the flight's distance and specific circumstances."
5. "While compensation under EU261 may not be granted if the blackout is determined an extraordinary circumstance, passengers should still receive essential assistance—such as food, beverages—during significant waiting periods."

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