BRITS could face travel misery this summer, with airlines forced to cancel more than 100 flights as the Olympics get underway in Paris.
EasyJet alone has cancelled close to 100 flights while Ryanair and Wizz Air have also warned passengers of disruption.
The cancellations come as a result of a no-fly zone covering 28,922 square miles ordered by the DGAC, the French civil aviation authority.
The move is being implemented to coincide with the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics over increased fears of a terrorist attack.
The no-fly zone will be in place on the afternoon and evening of Friday, July 26, right at the start of the summer holidays.
The DGAC has described the operation as the “creation of a temporary prohibited zone (ZIT) for the specific aviation security system, linked to the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games”.
It means that some French airports will be unable to accept arrivals, while departures also won’t be able to take off.
Planes due to fly overhead are also set to be affected.
The two main Paris airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, are set to be majorly disrupted and the smaller budget airline base, Beauvis, will also face problems.
Flights to Paris airports will be rejected from 5.30pm local time, while departures from Charles de Gaulle will only be allowed to resume at 11.30pm local time with special approval.
That’s according to The International Ops Bulletin, a membership organisation for people involved in international flight operations.
EasyJet has already cancelled 96 flights affecting around 18,000 people.
An easyJet spokesperson told the Independent: “Like all airlines operating to and from Paris, easyJet has been requested to reduce its flying programme for duration of the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony on Friday 26 July 2024.
“This resulted in the cancellation of 96 flights at both Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly.”
Meanwhile, Ryanair is also facing cancellations.
The budget airline is the largest operator at Beauvais from where it flies to four UK airports – Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford and Manchester.
Affected passengers have been warned about the cancellations and advised of their options.
A spokesperson added: “Due to the closure of the Paris airspace on 26 July, we, like all airlines, have been forced to cancel/reschedule a number of flights operating to/from Beauvais airport that day.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this Paris airspace closure, which is entirely beyond airlines’ control.”
Other airlines including Wizz Air are set to be affected, although the budget airline said it was only expecting minor delays, with just two flights cancelled thus far.
It has advised passengers flying on July 26 to keep an eye on the status of their flight and expect hold-ups at airports.
Sun Travel has also contacted British Airways for comment.
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.