A NUMBER of airlines have cancelled flights from the UK to Cyprus after the evacuation of Paphos Airport.
More than 60 flights to and from Cyprus airports have been cancelled this week after the runway at major British RAF base in Cyprus was struck by an Iranian drone.
This includes 42 flights to Larnaca, and 18 flights to Paphos, according to Hermes Airport who operates them both.
Local media previously reported that all easyJet flights were cancelled between the UK and Cyprus until Thursday, however the airline confirmed just three have been cancelled so far today.
An easyJet spokesperson said: “Due to the events overnight affecting the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus, as a precaution, three return flights between Paphos and Larnaca and the UK today will not be operating.
“Flights from March 3 are currently operating as planned but we would advise customers due to travel to and from Cyprus over the coming days to check our flight tracker for the latest information.
“We are doing all we can to minimise the impact for our customers and are providing options for rebooking including on other airlines or a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority and we continue to closely monitor the security situation in the region.”
British Airways has also cancelled a Larnaca flight today.
They said in a statement: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East.
“Safety is always our top priority, and we’re contacting our customers to advise them of their travel options.”
While no casualties were reported in the attack , the base is moving families and temporarily relocating non-essential staff.
Three British schools on the island have also been closed with immediate effect.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “The safety of our personnel and their families is our absolute priority.
“Our base and personnel continue to operate as normal protecting the safety of Britain and our interests.”
EasyJet flies to both Paphos and Larnaca in Cyprus from several UK airports including London Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol.
Hundreds of other flights have been cancelled today as air travel continues to experience disruption caused the conflict in the Middle East.
Dubai Airport – one of the world’s busiest with up to 2,500 flights a day – remains closed for the third day running.
British Airways has cancelled a number of flights to the Middle East, which includes from London Heathrow to Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Amman.
A number of Virgin Atlantic flights have been cancelled to the UAE, with others rerouted.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
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 “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.
Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways passengers are also all facing cancelled flights.
As many as 94,000 Brits are thought to be still stranded abroad, with the Foreign Office working a rescue mission.
