EasyJet refunds passengers after cancellation blunder

11th February 2010

EasyJet caused travel misery for thousands of holidaymakers yesterday when it wrongly informed passengers that their flights had been cancelled.

The budget airline sent an email to customers advising them to make alternative travel arrangements as their flights had been cancelled.

But bemused passengers received another message just hours later saying the flights would in fact take off - but at a different time to that which was advertised.

Customers proceeded to bombard the EasyJet's phone helpline in an attempt to make sense of the email confusion - just weeks after the winter freeze caused similar chaos for the beleaguered airline during which dozens of flights were cancelled.

EasyJet told irate customers the cancellation email was sent out in error after the airline had to rearrange take-off and landing slots.

The blunder affected flights from the UK to destinations across Europe in May, June, July and August.

EasyJet told irate customers the cancellation email was sent out in error after the airline had to rearrange take-off and landing slots.

Despite being offered refunds and the chance to rebook flights for free, the changes reportedly wreaked havoc on passengers' travel plans - many of whom had booked time off work on specific dates.

The EasyJet email said: 'If you received an email earlier tonight that your flight was cancelled, please ignore the previous email. Your flight is NOT cancelled. We would like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by a technical error.

'We are writing to let you know that we have had to reschedule some of our flights. Unfortunately, your flight is one of those affected.'

A spokesman for EasyJet said passengers can get a free transfer on the same route or claim a refund. He added that timetable changes by air traffic control had caused the rescheduling.

Useful links:

How to get flight compensation for delayed or cancelled flights

Claims Financial