British Airways forced to suspend New York flights from major London airport until next year
Date: 2024-10-21BRITISH Airways has suspended a number of flights to New York until next year, due to ongoing engine issues.
The airline confirmed that hundreds of long-haul flights were being cancelled due to delays in the delivery of engines and parts from Rolls-Royce.
Affected flights including the new route from London to Kuala Lumpur, which has been delayed from November 2024 to April 2025.
But also suspended is the popular London Gatwick to New York route.
The flag carrier first launched the Gatwick-New York flight in 2015, making it the third London airport with the route (joining Heathrow and London City).
The flight is especially popular for Brits during the winter season wanting to visit New York at Christmas and New Year.
The route is now being suspended from December 12 until March 25.
Not only will this affect hundreds of passengers who had already booked, but it is likely to result in more expensive flights due to a reduction in seat availability.
A British Airways spokesperson previously said: “We’ve taken this action because we do not believe the issue will be solved quickly, and we want to offer our customers the certainty they deserve.
“We’ve apologised to those affected and are able to offer the vast majority a flight the same day with British Airways or one of our partner airlines.
“We continue to work closely with Rolls-Royce to ensure the company is aware of the impact its issues are having on our schedule and customers, and seek reassurance of a prompt and reliable solution.â€
While Brits can still fly with British Airways to New York, travellers will have to head to Heathrow Airport instead.
An alternative is to fly from Gatwick to New York with Norse Airways.
If you fancy going to New York next year, you can find return direct flights with Norse for just £265.
The overall cancellations have affected as many as 200,000 passengers.
it comes just weeks after British Airways confirmed they would be suspending all routes from Southampton Airport in summer 2025.
Having first launched from the regional airport back in 2021, the routes affected include Malaga, Majorca, Faro, Bergerac and Chambery,
And the airline’s London Heathrow to Beijing route has also been suspended until at least next November.
But it isn’t just British Airways who has been forced to cancel flights in recent months.
Last week, all flights were cancelled to Orlando from the UK following Hurricane Milton.
Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and TUI passengers were all affected after the majority of airports in the US hotspot were forced to close.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
And thousands of passengers were affected by Emirates cancellations earlier this month after the airspace over Iran was temporarily closed
Emirates passengers were primarily affected as the routes cancelled were from Dubai to Iraq, Iran and Jordan.
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