Weather-related air traffic control constraints have compounded the mass cancellation of flights due to a global IT meltdown which struck on Friday – the busiest day of the summer.
A total of 207 departures from UK airports and 201 flight arrivals were cancelled on Friday out of a total of 6,855 globally, according to latest data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
UK cancellations reduced to 23 departures and 25 arrivals on Saturday.
However, easyJet reported that an unspecified number of its 1,900 flights yesterday were unable to operate due to the knock-on impact of weather-related ATC restrictions on Saturday “which led to aircraft being positioned out of base”.
The budget carrier, which reports quarterly results on Wednesday, said: “We are doing all possible to minimise the impact on our customers, providing those on cancelled flights with options to rebook or receive a refund, as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required.”
In an update last night, Tui UK issued a list of revised inbound flights for holidaymakers due to return on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with delays spread out until Wednesday.
Almost 30 flights were listed including a return from Tunisia to Luton airport diverted to Manchester tomorrow and a Dalaman to Bournemouth service changed to Gatwick. Onward transportation is being offered in both cases.
The operator said: “Due to the impact of the global IT outage on Friday 19th July we would like to extend our sincere apologies again for the disruption for those customer[s] due to return home.
“Please note, some flights will now be split across different inbound flights, this information has been sent to the lead customer via text and email so please make sure to check which inbound flight you will be returning on.
“If you have booked your own hotel then please keep your receipts and we will reimburse reasonable costs. You can also claim for your meals and soft drink.
“If you have been able to source a flight home by another airline please also keep those receipts and submit your claim.
“We absolutely understand this is not the end of your holiday that you would expect and sincerely apologise again for the impact this has had.”
British Airways continued to warn that some flights may be disrupted and its call centres were also “experiencing issues” due to the impact of the global Microsoft IT outage.
“If you have a connecting flight as part of the same ticket and there’s a chance you may miss your connection, we’ll automatically rebook your onward journey,” BA said.
Delta Air Lines reported that more than 3,500 flights had been affected, with cancellations continuing into Sunday.
Chief executive Ed Bastian said: “The technology issue occurred on the busiest travel weekend of the summer, with our booked loads exceeding 90%, limiting our re-accommodation capabilities.
“I want to apologise to every one of you who have been impacted by these events.
“Specifically, the issue impacted the Microsoft Windows operating system. Delta has a significant number of applications that use that system, and in particular one of our crew tracking-related tools was affected and unable to effectively process the unprecedented number of changes triggered by the system shutdown.
“Our teams have been working around the clock to recover and restore full functionality.”
UK partner Virgin Atlantic appeared to have escaped the worst of the chaos, emphasising that flights were operating as scheduled.
The airline said: “We are aware of a global IT software issue which is affecting various industries, including airlines. This is currently not impacting our flying programme, however, flights may be subject to some delays.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and working with our airport teams and partners to minimise any disruption.”