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EC 261 Flight Compensation - Air Traffic Control Issue?

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  • 04-06-2019 2:54pm
    #1
    FatRat
    Registered Users Posts: 3,194 ✭✭✭


    I departed Ireland and missed a connecting flight out of London because Aer Lingus were >1.5 hours delayed leaving the ground in Dublin and my connecting flight in London departed 1.5 hours after landing. It was late evening so I was put on the next available flight the next morning, they put me up in a hotel etc.

    I've since tried to claim for compensation as I arrived at my destination about 12 hours later than expected. They have responded saying it was a Air Traffic Controller issues at Heathrow. I found this interesting because it seems like they could use this excuse for any delay? There was no strike on that day and at Dublin airport we were moved gates 3 different times right around departure time. At the final gate we were put, there was no plane docked until a good half hour or hour after the flight was due to depart. We then sat on the runway for a half hour or so before taking off. We docked at Heathrow immediately after landing. This doesn't seem to add up because why would Heathrow ATC be at fault for such a later departure/mix-up at Dublin airport?

    Anyway, has anyone else had a similar situation happen to them and whats the best port of call? What governing body should I contact because I'd imagine Aer Lingus will hold tough with their original 'Excuse'.


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    #2
    highlydebased
    Registered Users Posts: 7,468 ✭✭✭highlydebased


    FatRat wrote: »
    I departed Ireland and missed a connecting flight out of London because Aer Lingus were >1.5 hours delayed leaving the ground in Dublin and my connecting flight in London departed 1.5 hours after landing. It was late evening so I was put on the next available flight the next morning, they put me up in a hotel etc.

    I've since tried to claim for compensation as I arrived at my destination about 12 hours later than expected. They have responded saying it was a Air Traffic Controller issues at Heathrow. I found this interesting because it seems like they could use this excuse for any delay? There was no strike on that day and at Dublin airport we were moved gates 3 different times right around departure time. At the final gate we were put, there was no plane docked until a good half hour or hour after the flight was due to depart. We then sat on the runway for a half hour or so before taking off. We docked at Heathrow immediately after landing. This doesn't seem to add up because why would Heathrow ATC be at fault for such a later departure/mix-up at Dublin airport?

    Anyway, has anyone else had a similar situation happen to them and whats the best port of call? What governing body should I contact because I'd imagine Aer Lingus will hold tough with their original 'Excuse'.

    They may have missed their arrival slot at Heathrow so ended up leaving later as a result - being on stand straightaway doesn't mean there was no slot delay.

    You could contact the Aviation Regulator: https://www.flightrights.ie/


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