What can I do if my flight is cancelled?
Immediate steps after a cancellation
When large-scale disruptions hit — whether from airspace closures, strikes, or sudden operational cutbacks — cancellations can pile up and customer service channels can become overwhelmed. Start by confirming your booking status directly with the airline’s official channels: the airline app, website manage-booking page, or their published phone line. Rebooking rules vary by carrier and by the cause of disruption; many airlines are offering reroutes, refunds or vouchers when cancellations stem from safety or regulatory closures.
Options to pursue
- Rebook with the airline: use the carrier’s online rebooking tool first; waitlists and standby can move faster in person at the airport counter.
- Request refund or voucher: if the airline cancels outright, you are typically entitled to a refund for unused segments. Keep confirmation emails and transaction receipts.
- Check repatriation/recovery flights: some carriers and governments operate limited repatriation or charter flights from affected areas; sign up for airline and embassy alerts.
- Contact your embassy or consulate: they can offer guidance on repatriation assistance or emergency registration if many nationals are stranded.
- Use travel insurance and card protections: policies that cover cancellations, interruptions, or emergency evacuation can reimburse unexpected costs; credit-card trip protections may also help.
Longer-term fixes
If rebooking through your carrier stalls, look for alternative routings via other airports or carriers that remain operating. Be mindful of added costs like hotels, meals and new tickets; document all expenses for potential reimbursement. Finally, patience and persistence pay—airlines prioritize people with immediate onward connections, families, and those with urgent needs, but the backlog can be large. Keep a clear record of communications and, if necessary, pursue formal compensation or chargebacks once service channels reopen.