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Stansted Airport IT Failure Causes Mass Flight Disruptions, Passengers Seek Answers
Thousands of travellers faced chaos at London Stansted Airport on Sunday, May 11th, as a major IT system failure brought operations to a standstill. Passengers missed flights, endured lengthy delays, and were left scrambling for alternative travel arrangements. The disruption, primarily affecting Ryanair and Jet2 passengers, has sparked widespread frustration and raised questions about passenger rights.
The airport's IT systems crashed at approximately 2:30 am, crippling essential functions and creating a domino effect of delays and cancellations. While Stansted Airport declared systems were back to normal around eight hours later, the damage was already done. The initial wave of flights, scheduled to depart just before 6:00 am, was severely impacted, leading to extensive queues and missed departures, Daily Dazzling Dawn understand.
Passengers recounted scenes of confusion and distress. Anne Alexander, head of politics for ITV's Good Morning Britain, arrived at the airport with ample time for her flight to Palermo, only to find it had departed without her. Jodie, travelling to Antalya with Jet2, described being told she was too late for her flight and was advised to book an alternative, while another individual suggested her luggage would fly without her.
Jet2, the second-largest operator at Stansted, saw its entire first wave of 15 flights delayed by up to six hours, further compounding the chaos. Passengers bound for Mediterranean destinations, and those waiting to return to the UK, faced prolonged uncertainty. Tui passengers were also affected by the delays.
What Went Wrong?
Stansted Airport attributed the disruption to a significant "IT issue" that rendered key systems inoperable. The problem was identified in the early hours of the morning, but the timing, just before the peak departure period, resulted in widespread disruption.
Passenger Rights and Compensation:
Passengers are now seeking clarity on their rights and potential compensation. While airlines are not liable for compensation due to the airport's IT failure, travel insurance policies may offer some relief. Passengers who arrived at the airport in good time, ideally two hours before their scheduled departure, and can provide evidence such as time-stamped photos or car park receipts, may be able to claim for losses.
For delays exceeding three hours on flights to most Mediterranean destinations, airlines are required to provide refreshments free of charge. This applies to passengers who faced delays on Sunday, as well as those whose flights were subsequently affected.
Can Passengers Claim from Stansted Airport?
Passengers who incurred financial losses not covered by other means are advised to explore the possibility of claiming directly from Stansted Airport. All claims must be supported by relevant receipts and documentation.
The IT meltdown at Stansted has highlighted the vulnerability of airport operations to technical failures and the significant impact such incidents can have on thousands of travellers. As affected passengers grapple with the aftermath, questions remain about preventative measures and accountability.
