disruption

Montenegro is a key fixture for Wales as they fight it out with the Czech Republic to finish first in Group B1, and therefore secure a more favourable path in the World Cup qualifying play-offs which are to come later this year.

The Czechs, who currently lead the way on goal difference, host Albania on Friday before facing Wales in the group’s pivotal fixture at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, 9 June.

Wales eased to a 6-1 victory over Montenegro in Llanelli in March, and will be expected to claim another win in the return game despite their far-from-ideal preparation.

Should Wales and the Czech Republic be level on points at the end of the group stage, the winners will be decided by head-to-head records.

If they still cannot be separated, the next tiebreaker will be goal difference – but Wilkinson says that is not a concern yet.

“That’s not something we’re chasing,” she said. “What we’ve talked about is winning the [final two games of the] group and then we take care of our own fate.”

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled, official data from June 3 indicates

A UK tourist hotspot has been rocked by disruption today. Officials in Portugal say 44.7% of flights scheduled to Portuguese airports on the day of a general strike today, Wednesday, June 3, were cancelled.

Portuguese media reports say that out of 1,472 flights scheduled across the country, at least 658 were cancelled, officials say. Of the 658 flights scheduled for Lisbon Airport, 408 have been cancelled, equivalent to 62%.

EasyJet had said in advance that its passengers would be affected. It said on the eve of the strike: “Due to a national strike in Portugal on 3 June, like all airlines operating to and from the country we can expect some disruption to our flying programme. We will be doing all we can to minimise the impact of the strike action and will contact customers directly with their options if their flights are affected.

“While this is outside of our control we are sorry for any inconvenience this strike action may cause.” Ryanair said it would not be affected.

Sapo reports that the second-highest percentage of cancelled flights is in Ponta Delgada, where 41% of the 118 scheduled flights will not take place, according to ANA information. In Porto and Faro, nearly a third of flights will be cancelled.

In Madeira, 23% of the 102 scheduled flights were cancelled. Almost all flights were reportedly cancelled in advance. This enabled notifying passengers and rescheduling flights, local media reports said.

The National Union of Civil Aviation Flight Personnel (SNPAC) said that of the 508 scheduled flights, “329 flights have already been cancelled, that is, 65% of the operations planned for June 3”.

The strikes, which also affected public transport and other services in the country, were the second in six month called over proposed government labour reforms.

Passengers were told to bring their own food and drinks on board after a fire caused a supply disruption

Jet2 has released a fresh update for passengers after many were informed that certain services would be unavailable on their flights. Earlier this week, it emerged that Jet2 had suspended food and drink services and in-flight retail for passengers on selected routes.

At the time, the airline stated it was dealing with an ‘operational issue’ that was ‘outside its control’. The disruption was reportedly triggered by a major supply chain disruption following a fire at Jet2‘s Retail Operations Centre in Middlewich.

The warehouse is reportedly responsible for stocking all catering carts. Consequently, the airline was forced to suspend all food, drink, and Jet2shop retail services on the affected flights.

This meant some passengers were unable to purchase snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, hot beverages, or duty-free items from the cabin trolley. Pre-booked meals were scrapped, and those who had paid in advance for a hot meal or snack deal did not receive their order.

In a fresh update, sent to the Liverpool Echo today (May 15), a Jet2 spokesperson said: “Due to an operational issue outside of our control, there was limited food and drink available to buy on board on Sunday, May 10. We are pleased to say that, since then, customers have been continuing to enjoy our award-winning flights and can choose from a wide selection of food and drink onboard.”

They added: “Our full in-flight retail and food and drink offering will be completely back to normal in the coming days.” Jet2 has also confirmed it is automatically processing refunds for all pre-booked catering back to the original payment method.

While the problem persisted, travellers were advised to bring their own food, drinks and snacks on board, after clearing airport security. However, passengers are prohibited from bringing hot coffee, tea, or hot food from the airport terminal onto the plane. A statement on the Jet2 website states: “You can’t bring hot food or hot drinks onboard our planes for safety reasons.”

At the time, many people turned to social media to find out more about the ‘operational issue’ and to alert fellow passengers. On X, one passenger with the username @BigDogStaff wrote: “@Jet2tweets just had an email and a text message to say there will be no food or drinks available for our five hour flight.”

Jet2 responded: “Hi there, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by our food and drink services and in-flight retail by unavailable on your flight. Sadly, this is due to an operational issue outside our control. (1/2).”

The airline went on to say: “You are welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks purchased in the terminal onboard with you, but for safety reasons, hot drinks cannot be brought on board. If you have any further questions, feel free to let us know. ^Ellie (2/2).” On the Facebook group, Jet2.Com and Jet2holidays Customer Service and Support, a user asked: “What is happening with no food or drink on Jet2 planes? Just had an email about no food or drink on the planes tomorrow, any idea what happening?”

In the comments, one person wrote: “Been on lots of posts – supply issues due to a fire in a warehouse apparently- just get something in the airport to take on board with you.” Another added: “Just arrived in Greece via Jet2, we pre-ordered hot food but got an email saying it was limited. There was no food, drinks, snacks, and no duty-free trolley, all we got was water.”

A third commented: “Someone I know is flying tomorrow, and they were told this evening that there would be no food, including pre-booked. Maybe it depends on the airport or route.”

In a separate Facebook post, another user warned: “Just a heads up. A friend who is travelling from Leeds tonight has received this. So it may be the same on the return journey.” They shared a screenshot of what appears to be a text message from Jet2.

The message reads: “Due to an operational issue outside of our control, there will be no food, drink or Jet2shop available to buy on board your flight. Unfortunately, this also means that any pre-booked food or drink items will not be available, and we will automatically arrange any refunds for these.

“You are welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks purchased in the terminal (after security) on the flight with you, but for safety reasons, hot drinks cannot be brought on board. We are very sorry for any disappointment this may cause.”

A separate Facebook post by UK travel agency Camel Travel states: “Heads up for those flying with Jet2 at the moment. A fire at Jet2’s Retail Operations Centre in Middlewich on Wednesday has impacted the availability of food and drinks on some flights.”

What seems to be a screenshot of an email sent by Jet2 is also featured. It states: “We will process the refund right away to the payment card used when you booked – but like all refunds these days, it could take three to five working days for the funds to reach you. We’re sorry if you don’t receive any pre-booked items. Our friendly Cabin Crew are looking forward to welcoming you on board and will ensure you have a lovely flight.”

One airline is reducing its service that day by 60 per cent

UK holidaymakers are preparing for fresh travel disruption after the announcement of strike action. Media reports today confirm that Brussels Airlines is reducing its service by 60% on May 12. A spokesperson for the carrier confirmed the news on Tuesday.

Disruption that day is a possibility for Brits and others heading there, given that the airline flies regularly to and from London Heathrow, although details of flight cancellations have not yet been disclosed. It also has services to and from Manchester Airport and Edinburgh Airport.

The move follows Brussels Airport’s warning of expected disruption on that date due to nationwide industrial action. Numerous security workers and service providers will be downing tools.

Airlines have been requested to cap the number of departing passenger flights on the day in order to maintain safety and prevent excessive waiting times. The news site 7sur7 reports that the FGTB, CSC, and CGSLB unions are organising another major mobilisation in the streets of Brussels.

It marks the latest wave of strike action to hit the country. No passenger flights took off from Brussels Airport during the previous national demonstration, although commentators say disruptions are expected to be less severe on May 12, according to local media reports. “Just under half of the scheduled departures will be able to operate,” Zaventem Airport estimated.

In addition, strike action is also planned separately in the aviation sector. The Mirror reported on Tuesday that notice was lodged this week that could see strikes involving pilots.

The joint union front (CNE/ACV Puls, CSC Transcom, CGSLB/ACLVB, and Setca/BBTK) has filed a national strike notice for the entire Belgian aviation sector. Approximately 1.3 million Brits visit Belgium annually – suggesting hundreds if not thousands of UK travellers could be impacted on that single day alone. Brussels Airlines is cancelling roughly 60% of its flights that day, Le Soir reported.

Bosses say the long-haul network will bear the brunt, as these flights carry many connecting passengers. For shorter routes, the airline is giving priority to flights with the greatest number of direct passengers. “Further cancellations cannot be ruled out. Passengers whose flights are cancelled can either rebook or request a refund. We continue to monitor the situation closely; further cancellations cannot be ruled out,” says Brussels Airlines.

“Brussels Airlines is not involved in the labour dispute between the unions and the Belgian federal Government. Yet, the consequences always fall on our passengers, our colleagues, and our company. In the current geopolitical context (particularly with high fuel prices, editor’s note), such actions are irresponsible.”

“In collaboration with all relevant partners, Brussels Airport is working to ensure that as many flights as possible can depart that day,” the national airport said in a statement.

The airport, however, anticipates only minimal disruption to incoming flights. Passengers due to land at Brussels Airport that day are still urged to check the latest status of their flight directly with their airline.

The unions announced the fresh mass action at the start of the month. The demonstration forms part of a series of union actions they have been carrying out for over a year in opposition to the federal government’s reforms to policies including pensions.

The most recent national demonstration took place on 12 March. Between 80,000 people (according to the police) and more than 100,000 (according to the unions) took to the streets of Brussels. Not a single passenger flight departed from Zaventem Airport on that occasion.

Your rights as an airline passenger

According to the government’s gov.uk website, your airline, travel agent or tour operator is obliged to give you “clear and easy-to-understand information on the conditions of your travel at the point of booking.” Travellers are urged to check these carefully.

The website says: “Airlines and travel agents selling flight tickets must make clear the full price for all mandatory charges, such as taxes, at the time of booking. They should make clear any additional costs for optional extras. For example, for luggage allowance or seat selection.

“If you have booked a package that includes a flight (such as flight and accommodation or flight and car hire) you may also have both package and ATOL protection. Take your ATOL Certificate with you.”