Travelers may find it frustrating, but it’s not unusual, to have flight delays and cancellations on European carriers. Events of this nature, whether brought on by operating limitations, technological difficulties, or weather-related disruptions, can cause major annoyance and upset plans.
Common Causes
The main reasons why European airlines have delays and cancellations are:
Weather Conditions: Schedules are often affected by fog, snow, and storms, particularly in the winter.
Air traffic congestion is a common problem at major airports such as Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and London Heathrow.
Strikes: Air traffic controller or airline employee strikes are a common problem throughout Europe, severely interrupting flights.
Technical and Operational Problems: Delays may arise from scheduling difficulties or aircraft maintenance.
Rights of Passengers
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as severe weather, customers traveling within the EU or on EU-based airlines leaving from outside the EU are entitled to reimbursement and assistance for delays exceeding three hours or cancellations under EU Regulation 261/2004. Depending on the distance of the flight, compensation may vary from €250 to €600.
Airlines also have the following obligations: During extended delays, serve food and drinks.
Provide lodging in case of overnight interruptions. Offer a refund or rebook passengers on the next flight that becomes available.
Handling Postponements
Keep Up to Date: For real-time updates, use airport information systems or airline applications.
Keep a record of everything: Save your correspondence logs, boarding permits, and receipts so you can later submit claims for reimbursement.Travel Insurance: To cover extra costs brought on by cancellations or delays, think about getting comprehensive insurance.
In Conclusion
Even while cancellations and delays are sometimes inevitable, tension can be reduced by knowing your rights and having a plan in place. Strong consumer protection regulations in Europe provide ample redress, guaranteeing that travelers won’t be left stranded or without reimbursement for delays. In this article, we will give you our list of the top European airlines with the biggest cancelations and delays from our experience.
Wizz Air
Known for providing affordable travel options, Wizz Air is a well-known low-cost airline in Europe. However, it also frequently receives complaints regarding flight delays. With a vast network that serves more than 50 countries, operational issues can occasionally impact timeliness, which inconveniently affects passengers.
Typical Reasons for Delays
Operational Problems: Wizz Air has a strict turnaround time because it is a low-cost airline. Delays for following flights might result from even a little disturbance in one aircraft.
Air Traffic Congestion: Due to air traffic management limitations, Wizz Air planes frequently experience delays when operating out of major hubs and secondary airports.
Weather: Similar to other airlines, Wizz Air is subject to delays brought on by fog, snow, or storms, particularly in areas with severe weather.
Staff Shortages: Sometimes delays are caused by strikes, absenteeism, or a lack of employees.
Impact on Passengers
Longer airport wait times, missed connections, and modified travel schedules might result from flight delays. The extra costs associated with delays, including food or alternate modes of transportation, can be especially taxing for tourists on a tight budget.
Rights of Passengers
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, passengers are entitled to reimbursement under EU Regulation 261/2004 for delays longer than three hours. Depending on the flight’s distance, compensation can range from €250 to €600. Additionally, Wizz Air is needed to:
During extended delays, offer hotel accommodations, food, and refreshments.
If the delay is more than five hours, provide refunds or other flights.
How to Handle Wizz Air Delays
Keep Up: For real-time updates, visit the Wizz Air website or app.
Keep a record of everything: Keep track of correspondence, boarding cards, and receipts for claims of reimbursement.
Arrive Early: Be ready for any gate changes or rescheduling.
In Conclusion
Although Wizz Air provides reasonably priced travel, its delays may be a drawback. The inconvenience of interruptions can be lessened by being aware of your rights and being organized.
Ryanair
One of the biggest low-cost airlines in Europe, Ryanair, is well-known for its reasonably priced flights throughout a wide network. Nonetheless, passengers frequently deal with aircraft delays. Despite being annoying, these interruptions frequently result from a number of internal and external operating causes.
Reasons for Delays
Air traffic congestion is a common cause of delays for Ryanair flights, which operate from secondary airports and high-demand hubs, particularly during the busiest travel seasons.
Weather Conditions: Delays are greatly increased by fog, snow, storms, and other unfavourable weather conditions.
Tight Turnaround Times: Ryanair adheres to a rigorous schedule with rapid aircraft turnarounds because it is a low-cost airline. Small problems on one flight can cause delays on other planes.
Industrial Action: Occasionally, strikes by European air traffic controllers or airline employees cause delays or cancellations in operations.
Rights of Passengers
EU Regulation 261/2004, which requires compensation for delays longer than three hours, protects Ryanair passengers as long as the disruption isn’t caused by unforeseeable events like strikes or severe weather. Depending on the distance of the flight, compensation ranges from €250 to €600.
Ryanair must provide monetary compensation as well as:
Provide refreshments and food during long waits. For night-time interruptions, provide hotel accommodations. If the delay is more than five hours, make arrangements for refunds or other flights.
Advice on Handling Delays
Track Flight Status: For real-time updates, visit the Ryanair website or app.
Maintain Records: To bolster compensation claims, keep boarding cards and receipts for costs incurred during delays.
Be flexible in your planning and leave extra time for unforeseen circumstances, particularly when it comes to crucial events or connecting flights.
In Conclusion
Millions of passengers are drawn to Ryanair because of its low fares, but its delays can be annoying. A more seamless travel experience can be achieved by being aware of your rights and ready for any unforeseen circumstances.
EasyJet
Throughout its vast network, EasyJet, one of Europe’s top low-cost airlines, transports millions of passengers each year. However, a variety of operational and external variables can cause schedule disruptions, making flight delays a frequent problem for passengers.
Reasons for Delays
Air Traffic Congestion: London Gatwick, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Berlin Brandenburg are just a few of the major European airports where EasyJet operates, and delays are frequently caused by traffic congestion.
Weather Disruptions: In Europe, especially in the winter, fog, snow, and storms are common reasons for flight delays.
Operational Challenges: Any small interruption, like technical checks or late arrivals, might lead to more delays because of strict turnaround schedules meant to keep costs down.
Strikes and Staffing Issues: On occasion, major delays have resulted from industrial actions by EasyJet’s own crew, airport employees, or air traffic controllers.
Rights of Passengers
EU Regulation 261/2004, which offers compensation for delays longer than three hours and not due to unusual circumstances, applies to passengers flying with EasyJet. Compensation varies from €250 to €600, depending on the distance of the flight.
Apart from monetary reparations, EasyJet is required to: During lengthy waits, serve food and beverages. Make accommodations for interruptions during the night.
If there are delays longer than five hours, provide refunds or other flights.
Advice on Handling Delays
Keep Up: For real-time alerts and updates, use the EasyJet app or website.
Maintain Records: Save any correspondence, boarding passes, and receipts in case you need to make a compensation claim.
Make a plan: When your travel schedule includes events or connecting planes, provide extra time.
In Conclusion
Although EasyJet is a well-liked option because to its affordable pricing strategy, flight delays might be inconvenient. A more seamless travel experience can be achieved by being aware of your rights and being organized to lessen the effects of interruptions.
Turkish Airlines
Turkey’s primary airline, Turkish Airlines, is well known for its wide network and excellent service. Passengers going to or through its hubs in Istanbul may find it frustrating as, like all airlines, it periodically experiences flight delays.
Typical Reasons for Delays
Hub Congestion: One of the busiest airports in the world is Istanbul Airport, which serves as Turkish Airlines’ main hub. Delays are frequently caused by heavy air traffic, particularly during the busiest travel seasons.
Weather Conditions: Turkish Airlines frequently has delays in Istanbul and other Turkish Airlines-served cities due to fog, snow, and strong winds, particularly during the winter.
Operational Difficulties: Managing a sizable fleet and a convoluted schedule can occasionally cause logistical problems for one of the biggest airlines in the world.
Delays in Customs and Security: Extended security inspections, especially on foreign flights, might occasionally impact departure times.
Air Traffic Control Restrictions: Long-haul flights are frequently impacted by restrictions in European airspace and nearby areas.
Rights of Passengers
For flights leaving the EU, Turkish Airlines complies with EU Regulation 261/2004, which guarantees reimbursement for delays of three hours or longer, as long as they aren’t brought on by unforeseen events like severe weather or political upheaval. Depending on the distance of the flight, compensation can range from €250 to €600.
Turkish Airlines has its own policies regarding delays outside of the EU, and these generally consist of:
Offering food and drinks.
Making accommodations for delays that occur overnight. Arranging for refunds or other flights in case of major interruptions.
Dealing with Delays
To keep yourself informed, use the Turkish Airlines app to receive alerts and updates.
Keep Records: For possible claims, keep track of tickets, receipts, and correspondence.
Be Flexible in Your Planning: Give yourself more time for next flights.
Final Thoughts
Although Turkish Airlines offers a first-rate travel experience, its worldwide operations may cause delays. The journey will go more smoothly if you are aware of your rights and are ready for any interruptions.
Tui Airways
TUI Airways is a well-liked vacation airline that flies to many locations across the world. Although it is renowned for offering reasonably priced travel packages, travelers’ meticulously planned vacations may be disrupted by frequent aircraft delays.
Typical Reasons for Delays
Seasonal Demand: TUI’s operations may be strained by large passenger volumes during the busiest holiday seasons, which could cause delays.
Technical Issues: Because TUI has a diverse fleet of aircraft, departures may occasionally be delayed due to maintenance or unforeseen technical issues.
Weather Conditions: A lot of TUI flights go to and from areas that are vulnerable to severe weather, including tropical places that experience storms or Europe that experiences winter.
Operational Challenges: Delays may be caused by staff availability, scheduling conflicts, or interruptions in airport operations.
Air Traffic Congestion: TUI’s timetable is impacted by the frequent congestion at popular hubs and destinations.
Rights of Passengers
EU Regulation 261/2004 provides protection for customers on flights operating by TUI Airways, an airline based in the EU, or leaving the EU. Unless there are exceptional conditions, like bad weather, compensation is due for delays longer than three hours. Depending on the distance of the flight, the compensation ranges from €250 to €600.
Additionally, TUI must:
For extended delays, provide food and drinks. Make accommodations for interruptions during the night.
Refunds or rebooking should be offered for delays longer than five hours.
Advice on Handling Delays
Keep Up to Date: For real-time updates, visit TUI’s website or app. Keep a record of everything: To bolster compensation claims, preserve boarding cards, receipts, and correspondence with the airline.
Travel Insurance: To save possible costs, be sure your policy covers delays.
In Conclusion
Even though TUI Airways aims for dependability, operational and other circumstances may cause delays. Even in the event of delays, a more seamless travel experience is ensured by being aware of your rights and planning for any disruptions.
Pegasus Airlines
A well-known low-cost airline with its headquarters in Turkey, Pegasus Airlines is renowned for offering inexpensive flights throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. But like many airlines, it occasionally has flight delays that cause scheduling disruptions for its customers.
Typical Reasons for Delays
Airport congestion in Istanbul: One of Turkey’s busiest airports, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, is the main base of operations for Pegasus. Delays are frequently caused by heavy air traffic, especially during seasons of high travel demand.
Weather Conditions: Turkey frequently has fog, intense rain, and snow, particularly in the winter, which can interfere with flight schedules.
Operational Challenges: In a low-cost carrier model, delays may occasionally result from short turnaround times, technological problems, or logistical interruptions.
Air Traffic Control Restrictions: Delays may occur because many Pegasus routes pass through crowded Middle Eastern and European airspace.
External Factors: Unexpected airport problems, strikes, and security checks might potentially affect timeliness.
Rights of Passengers
EU Regulation 261/2004, which offers compensation for delays exceeding three hours due to non-extraordinary circumstances, protects passengers on flights leaving from EU airports. Compensation varies from €250 to €600, depending on the distance of the flight.
In addition, Pegasus Airlines must:
During lengthy delays, serve refreshments.
Provide hotel rooms for interruptions during the night.
If a delay lasts longer than five hours, make arrangements for other transportation or reimbursement.
Ways to Handle Delays
Track information: For real-time flight status information, visit the Pegasus Airlines website or app.
Maintain Records: To back up any claims, keep boarding cards, invoices, and correspondence.
Plan Ahead: Leave extra time for essential occasions or planes that connect.
Lastly,
Although Pegasus Airlines provides reasonably priced travel options, operational and outside issues may cause delays. Passengers can handle delays more skillfully if they are aware of their rights and are ready for any disruptions.
TAP Air Portugal
Portugal’s flag carrier, TAP Air Portugal, is a well-known airline that links Europe with the Americas, Africa, and other places. Although it is well known for its wide network and excellent service, passengers may become frustrated by frequent flight delays.
Typical Reasons for Delays
Lisbon Hub Congestion: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, the main base of operations for TAP aviation Portugal, experiences heavy aviation traffic, particularly during rush hour. Flight delays are often caused by overcrowding and capacity limitations.
Weather Conditions: Departures and arrivals at TAP’s hubs and destinations may be delayed by weather-related disturbances like fog, storms, or strong winds, especially during the winter months.
Operational Difficulties: TAP’s demanding flight schedules and reliance on a varied fleet can occasionally cause logistical or technical problems that cause flight delays.
Restrictions on Air Traffic Control: European airspace is among the busiest globally. TAP flights are frequently impacted by restrictions and delays caused by air traffic management, particularly on transatlantic and transcontinental routes.
Industrial Actions: In the past, TAP’s operations have been disrupted by strikes by airline employees or air traffic controllers.
Rights of Passengers
EU Regulation 261/2004, which requires compensation for delays more than three hours unless there are exceptional circumstances (like as weather or security concerns), protects passengers flying with TAP. Depending on the distance of the flight, compensation can range from €250 to €600. Meals, snacks, lodging for overnight delays, and alternate flight choices must also be provided by TAP.
Handling Delays
Keep Up: For real-time alerts, use the TAP app or website.
Maintain Records: Save receipts and boarding cards in case you need to file a claim for compensation.
Plan Ahead: Give yourself more time for important contacts and plans.
In Conclusion
Despite TAP Air Portugal’s best efforts to be dependable, delays occasionally happen. A more seamless journey can be achieved by being aware of your rights and being ready for any delays.
Vueling Airlines
The Spanish low-cost airline Vueling Airlines is well-known for its wide network throughout Europe and North Africa. Despite being well-liked for its frequent flights and low prices, aircraft delays are a common problem that might interfere with travellers’ travel arrangements.
Typical Reasons for Delays
Main Hub Congestion: Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Vueling’s main hub, is among the busiest in Europe, which frequently causes air traffic delays, particularly during the busiest travel seasons.
Weather Disruptions Unpredictable weather conditions like storms, strong winds, or fog frequently hinder flights to and from locations in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands.
Operational Difficulties: Due to its low cost, Vueling must function within strict time constraints. Any delay on one flight might quickly spread to others. Additional factors that can cause delays include personnel shortages or technical problems with aircraft.
Limitations on Air Traffic: Due to the heavy congestion in European airspace, delays in air traffic control are frequent, especially on well-travelled Vueling routes.
Strikes and Industrial Action: Major disruptions may result from strikes by Vueling employees, airport workers, or air traffic controllers.
Rights of Passengers
Passengers who experience delays of three hours or longer are eligible to reimbursement under EU Regulation 261/2004, as long as the delay isn’t caused by unforeseen circumstances like extreme weather or political upheaval. Depending on the distance of the flight, compensation can range from €250 to €600. Additionally, Vueling must provide food, refreshments, and lodging for extended delays.
Advice on Handling Delays
Keep Up: For real-time flight information, use the Vueling app.
Keep Records: For any claims, keep your receipts and boarding cards.
Travel Insurance: To avoid extra expenses, be sure you are covered for delays.
In Conclusion
Even though Vueling Airlines provides inexpensive travel, there is still a chance of flight delays. Passengers can deal with disruptions more skillfully if they are aware of their rights and are prepared.
Eurowings Airlines
A member of the Lufthansa Group, Eurowings Airlines is a German low-cost airline that offers reasonably priced flights throughout Europe and to a few overseas locations. Although it is renowned for its affordable tickets, travellers are periodically irritated by frequent flight delays.
Typical Reasons for Delays
Hub Congestion: Cologne Bonn Airport and other significant German hubs, such as Düsseldorf and Hamburg, are the main operating bases for Eurowings. Delays are frequently caused by high traffic levels at these crowded airports.
Weather Disruptions: During the winter months around Europe, Eurowings flights are often impacted by weather conditions like fog, snow, and storms.
Operational Difficulties: Eurowings, as a low-cost airline, depends on its fleet to have quick turnaround times. One single delay might have a domino effect on other itineraries. This issue is made worse by sporadic technical or maintenance problems.
Air Traffic Control Delays: One of the world’s most crowded airspaces is where Eurowings operates. High volumes and limits on air traffic control are common causes of delays in European airspace.
Strikes and Industrial Actions: Historically, Eurowings’ operations have been severely disrupted by labour strikes by air traffic controllers, airport employees, or Eurowings staff.
Rights of Passengers
Passengers who experience delays longer than three hours and that are not the result of extraordinary circumstances are eligible to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Compensation varies from €250 to €600, depending on the distance of the flight. Additionally, Eurowings must supply food, drinks, and lodging for overnight delays.
Handling Delays
Track Flight Status: For updates, use the Eurowings app.
Save Receipts: Maintain records to back up any compensation claims.
When flying to important events or connecting flights, factor in extra time.
In Conclusion
Even though Eurowings provides inexpensive travel, operational and other factors may cause flight delays. A more seamless travel experience is ensured by remaining educated and being aware of one’s rights to compensation.
Jet.com Airlines
Low-cost airline Jet2.com Airlines, established in the UK, is a well-liked option for vacationers going to European and other locations. Although it is renowned for its cost-effectiveness and dependable service, flight delays can occasionally cause problems and interfere with travel plans.
Typical Reasons for Delays
Congested Airports: London Stansted, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, and other major UK airports are the operating bases for Jet2.com. Delays are frequently caused by high passenger volumes, particularly during the busiest travel seasons.
Weather-Related Problems: Especially in the winter, fog, storms, and high winds are common in the UK and around Europe. Flight schedules are often affected by these weather conditions.
Air Traffic Control Restrictions: Jet2 travels through crowded airspace on its journeys around Europe and to well-known vacation spots. Air traffic control frequently causes delays.
Operational Challenges: Delays can occasionally be caused by short turnaround periods, staff availability problems, or technical aircraft maintenance. These incidents are less frequent but not completely preventable due to Jet2’s emphasis on providing timely service.
Strikes and External Disruptions: Jet2 flights may be impacted by strikes by airport employees, air traffic controllers, or other disturbances such as security concerns, particularly during the hectic summer months.
Rights of Passengers
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers on Jet2 flights that are operated by an EU/UK carrier or that depart from EU/UK airports are covered. Depending on the distance of the trip, passengers may be eligible for compensation ranging from £220 to £520 for delays over three hours that are due to non-extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, Jet2 is required to supply food, drinks, or lodging in the event of major delays.
Advice on Handling Delays
Track Flight Status: For real-time updates, visit Jet2’s website or mobile app.
Create a buffer time to accommodate connections or important plans.
Document Delays: Save correspondence and receipts for claims of compensation.
In Conclusion
Jet2.com although airlines aim to be on time, there are times when delays happen due to bad weather, traffic, or operational issues. A more seamless travel experience can be achieved by being aware of your rights and making advance plans.
