By Karim Hammam
Travellers caught up in this week's wave of bomb threats across Europe are unlikely to receive compensation for disrupted flights, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has indicated. The regulator said such hoaxes would likely be classed as an "extraordinary circumstance", meaning airlines are not responsible for the resulting delays or cancellations.
CAA Classifies Bomb Hoaxes as Extraordinary Circumstances
The disruption has affected multiple flights across Europe, with bomb threats reported at London Heathrow and Birmingham airports. Services departing from London Stansted, Newcastle and Glasgow were also impacted, leading to diversions and emergency landings. The UK government has described the threats as "malicious hoaxes". According to CAA guidance, extraordinary circumstances refer to situations outside an airline's control, including security risks.
Passenger Rights and Airline Duty of Care
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said the threats are "incredibly alarming" for passengers. While compensation is unlikely, airlines still have a duty of care. Passengers are entitled to meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation depending on the length of the delay. They also have the choice of a refund or rerouting at the earliest opportunity, though delays may be prolonged if destination airports are temporarily closed for threat assessments.
Broader Security Concerns and IATA Response
The bomb threats have raised concerns about information warfare, coinciding with cyber attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems and blood banks in Europe. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged authorities to identify the source of the hoaxes and reassured the public that aviation security measures continue to ensure the highest levels of safety.
