The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) has advised anyone with a flight to Heathrow Airport in London today not to travel to the airport, and to contact their travel agent or airline for alternative arrangements.
Heathrow Airport is closed today due to a significant power outage caused by a fire at a nearby substation.
Aer Lingus and British Airways flights from Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, Cork Airport and Ireland West Airport to Heathrow are all impacted.
The ITAA has advised all passengers whose flights have been disrupted to be aware of their consumer rights in relation to replacement flights, refunds and general customer care.
If your flight has been disrupted or cancelled due to the power outage at Heathrow, you have rights in relation to replacement flights, refunds and general customer care. The Irish Aviation Authority has, today, confirmed that beyond care, assistance and re-routing, no additional compensation is payable in this circumstance as the event resulting in the closure of the airport was outside of the control of the airlines affected and is deemed an extraordinary circumstance.
Clare Dunne, CEO of the Irish Travels Association said: “We urge all those travelling through Heathrow Airport to contact either their travel agent or airline. Travel agents are used to dealing with crisis and they are working really hard to accommodate travellers. They will have up to date information and professional advice for their customers.”
A total of 50 flights are expected to be disrupted, with 17 flights each way from Dublin Airport, 3 flights each way from Shannon Airport, 4 flights each way from Cork Airport and 1 flight each way from Ireland West Airport.
