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Updated: EasyJet faces huge compensation bill for computer glitch
EasyJet will have to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation to passengers who were stranded yesterday when a Europe-wide computer system failure led to 24 flight cancellations and delays at all of its bases.
Staff were forced to check-in bags manually following the failure of the airline’s automated booking and check-in system, causing queues to build up at every airport.
The airline confirmed today that it had cancelled 24 flights and that passengers were eligible for compensation under EU261 Denied Boarding regulations.
The airline managed to restore both its desktop and mobile check-in and booking facilities by yesterday evening and at about 08:00 this morning the airline tweeted that its website was running normally.
However, the airline will have to pay at least €250 compensation to every passenger whose flight was cancelled or delayed by three hours or more as a result of the technical hiccup.
A spokesperson said passengers on cancelled flights had been contacted and advised they could re-book or claim a refund. They added: "We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to thank passengers for their patience."
A sale, offering 25% off easyJet’s winter flights, has been extended to midnight today.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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