Sandstorm flight delay, compo?

[nov1ce]

Hi, me and the fam have been delayed in grab canaria 24 hours because of the sandstorm. Last time we were long delayed we received compensation, but are we due this time, take into account:

• 24 hours delay
• airport officially shut part of that time
• a flight scheduled to leave later than ours yesterday left this morning
• flights were leaving this morning, but our re schedule was for 12.30, then delay to 1.30, then airport

Can anyone advise? X

Usually extreme weather isn't covered as it's out of their control, unfortunately

Think compensation is only available if the issue is the airline’s fault

Posted too soon. The ones who left may have been going on a different route.

Good luck though if you do try and claim, it sounds horrendous. My DSis is stuck in Gran Canaria.

Thanks guys, it is a mare, delayed now till at least tomorrow (4 days!) it wasn't so bad at weekend, but now it's impacting kids school and work. Although, I get there's nothing that can be done. I may well be with your sister Ross!

EU rule 261 probably applies so Google/wiki will be your friend but watch out for some of the legal sites they might direct you to...

As I understand it regardless of circumstances the Company / operator have a “duty of care” - so they should make sure you are fed, watered and are sheltered or refund you for the same if you have to make your own arrangements (so keep all receipts).

However if the delay is down to exceptional circumstances, and the weather in the Canaries does seem to be pretty exceptional ATM then (again as I understand it) you cannot claim “compensation” e.g money for missing days at work, etc.

You're not entitled to compensation from the airline as it's not their fault.

However, I think they are supposed to give you overnight hotel accomodation and a certain amount for food and drink. Your travel insurance may also provide compensation for delays.

I did see that the airlines were arguing that there weren't hotels available, but that seems unlikely as presumably there's a load of people who haven't got there to be able to use their accommodation, so there's would be available?