Thousands of passengers whose flights were hampered by the security alert at Gatwick Airport today may not be eligible for compensation, travel experts say.
Police were called to the London-adjacent airport in Sussex at 8.20am today after a piece of luggage containing a ‘suspected prohibited item’ was discovered by staff.
Passengers were then evacuated from the South Terminal, left standing in the freezing cold with no information as to when they might get back in.
Dozens of flights are believed to have been cancelled, affecting a huge share of the 60,000 passengers estimated to be flying out of the airport on Friday.
Despite this, airlines are unlikely to be held responsible for the disruption – meaning passengers probably won’t be in line for a payout.
Air passenger regulations under UK law state passengers are typically eligible for some forms of compensation if their flights are significantly delayed or cancelled.
However, this is not the case if flights are disrupted for reasons considered ‘extraordinary circumstances’ beyond the airline’s control.
That said, passengers might be able to claim back any money they spent on food or drink as they waited for their flight to be rescheduled as they stood outside in the cold at Gatwick today.
Did you get out of Gatwick today? Email: [email protected]
Passengers delayed from flying out of Gatwick today may not be entitled to compensation, travel experts have told MailOnline
The airport was locked down this morning after security discovered a ‘suspected prohibited item’ in a piece of luggage
Some passengers were advised to make their way to the North Terminal on foot after the monorail was suspended
Armed police and explosive ordnance disposal officers were dispatched to Gatwick after the Sussex airport was locked down
And for those who bought travel insurance, today’s events may be covered – taking care of extra costs such as parking charges.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: ‘The security incident at Gatwick will have been deeply concerning for travellers, and while the terminal has now reopened, knock-on delays are likely.
‘If your flight is cancelled or delayed, you won’t be entitled to compensation as this was an extraordinary circumstance, however you will be entitled to assistance from your airline.
‘Depending on how long you’re delayed, this could include free food and drink – usually in the form of vouchers – as well as overnight accommodation if it becomes necessary.
‘If your flight is cancelled, you have the choice of being rerouted or accepting a refund, and if you opt for the former, your airline is obliged to get you on a new flight as soon as possible, including with rival carriers.
‘If you instead accept a refund, be aware that your airline will have no further duty of care to you.
‘It’s also worth checking the terms of your travel insurance to see if you are able to recoup any other expenses you may have incurred as a result of the delays, such as car hire or airport parking fees.’
What is considered an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ is not written in stone.
The Civil Aviation Authority, the UK’s regulatory body for flights, says these can include weather unsafe to fly in, airport strikes, acts of terrorism and security risks.
Passengers affected by today’s action at Gatwick can still apply to make a claim – but may find the airline rejects their bid under this rule.
Passengers stand outside Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal in the freezing cold following the security alert
Trains were told not to stop at Gatwick Airport and to instead pass through as they travelled to and from London (pictured: a departure board at St Pancras)
Adam Johnson, senior legal expert in the UK for flight compensation body Flightright, said it was unlikely the normal rules of airline remuneration would apply to today’s events. However, it is best to contact the airline in any case.
‘The incident at Gatwick Airport can be considered an extraordinary circumstance for which airlines are generally exempt from claiming compensation,’ he said.
‘However, airlines must take all reasonable measures to minimise possible cancellations and delays.
‘They are therefore obliged to transport passengers to their planned final destination as quickly as possible and must also consider other airlines and indirect flights as well as alternative means of transport such as bus, train and taxi.
‘Passengers are also entitled to a ticket refund if they wish to cancel their flight.’
MailOnline understands 27 departures out of Gatwick have been cancelled as a result of the disruption, likely to have affected more than 5,000 passengers.
Paul Charles, CEO of luxury travel consultancy The PC Agency, was among those who was stuck in Gatwick this morning as he checked in for a flight to Antigua.
He was on one of the last planes out before the terminal was locked down.
Mr Charles said: ‘If passengers can show that they were caught up in the security incident, and are allowed back into Gatwick South today, then they would be moved onto the next available flight to the same destination.
‘If passengers have been told to leave Gatwick, then they should keep a photo as proof of their visit, ideally with the time showing, and contact their airline for a refund or for a credit for a future flight.
Traffic jams on the M23 close to Gatwick Airport earlier today
Spanish airline Vueling turned a Gatwick-bound flight from Barcelona back towards the Spanish coast after the airport was evacuated
Passengers and staff run for the exits at Gatwick airport as it was evacuated earlier today
An optimistic hitch-hiker tries to catch a ride out of Gatwick Airport after landing on Friday afternoon
‘Any out of pocket expenses may be refunded by the airline, as long as there is proof of the spend and receipts are kept, and that only soft drinks and reasonable meals are consumed.
‘These incidents are hugely frustrating for passengers and for the staff at Gatwick, and it is always sad to see the emotional and financial knock-on effects caused.’
Gatwick was locked down for more than six hours after a ‘suspected prohibited item’ was discovered in a piece of luggage in the security area of the South Terminal at 8.20am.
Armed police and explosive ordnance disposal officers were called in as roads were closed, trains were ordered not to stop at Gatwick and passengers were sent out into the cold as the baggage was examined.
At around 2.30pm, passengers were informed they were finally being allowed back in – after some had been shuttled to the North Terminal for alternate flights.
The nature of the item at the centre of the incident has not been disclosed.
A London Gatwick spokesperson said: ‘The earlier security alert has now been resolved and cleared by police. The South Terminal is reopening to staff and will be open to passengers shortly.
‘Trains will also start calling at Gatwick Airport once the terminal is fully reopened. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while this situation was resolved. Safety and security is always our top priority.
‘There are some delays and cancellations, passengers should contact their airline for any updates on flights.’
Sussex Police said it had detained two people while making enquiries. However, they have since been released.
In a statement issues at 4pm, the force said: ‘Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport.
‘Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator.
‘Two people who were detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys.
‘There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel.
‘Safety of the public, staff and other airport users has been our priority throughout the operation, and we thank them for their patience while the incident was ongoing.’