Airlines
After Flight Cancellation, Virgin Atlantic Passengers Told to Arrange Own Hotels
![Virgin Atlantic Sued Over Alleged Age Discrimination: Cabin Crew Seek Justice](https://jetlinemarvel.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Virgin_Atlantic_Boeing_787-9_Dreamliner_G-VYUM.jpg)
Ian Field and his partner Jane, both residents of the London area, faced an unexpected and costly ordeal while on a trip to St. Lucia in the Caribbean.
The couple, who had flown out from Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic flight VS221 on May 5, discovered upon arrival that their May 15 return flight was canceled for “operational reasons.” Despite Virgin Atlantic’s explanation, Field suspected the cancellation was due to a lack of passengers, as the airline is set to cease the route after May 19.
Stranded on the island, Field and Jane were left to fend for themselves for two additional nights. Both Virgin Atlantic and their travel agency, Blue Bay Travel, failed to provide assistance or accommodation, forcing the couple to pay over £400 out of pocket for their hotel stay.
Virgin Atlantic advised those without sufficient funds to seek financial help from family members, which added to the couple’s frustration. “We feel completely abandoned and let down terribly,” Field expressed to The Independent.
The lack of response from Virgin Atlantic and the unhelpful attitude of the travel agent exacerbated their distress. Although Field and his partner could afford the unexpected expense, he expressed concern for those who might not be in a similar financial position.
In response, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson stated that all affected customers were rebooked on alternative flights and could amend their bookings through the airline’s “rebook me” function if needed. The spokesperson apologized for the delay and inconvenience, assuring that customers would receive EC261 compensation of £520 per person and be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred.
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Airlines
Air India Cancels NY-Delhi Flight to Retrieve Stranded Indian Cricket Team from Barbados
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Air India faced scrutiny from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after a scheduled commercial flight from New York to Delhi was allegedly cancelled to accommodate the victorious Indian T20 World Cup team stranded in Barbados.
The incident sparked controversy when passengers slated for the New York-Delhi flight were abruptly informed of its cancellation, reportedly to prioritize a chartered flight for the cricket team.
Ajay Awtaney, a passenger affected by the cancellation, voiced his frustration on social media, sharing details of his disrupted travel plans. He claimed the commercial flight was sacrificed for a specially arranged charter, dubbed AIC24WC (Air India Champions 24 World Cup), arranged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to swiftly bring the team back to India following their triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Amidst growing concerns over flight prioritization and adherence to civil aviation regulations, the DGCA intervened, directing Air India to submit a comprehensive report to clarify the circumstances leading to the flight cancellation.
Aviation expert Mohan Ranganathan emphasized the seriousness of such incidents, highlighting potential violations of DGCA’s civil aviation rules (CAR). The special charter flight, facilitated by Air India amidst impending weather challenges, departed Barbados early morning local time, with a scheduled arrival in New Delhi anticipated the following day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to honor the returning champions upon their arrival, followed by celebratory events in Mumbai commemorating India’s first T20 World Cup victory in over a decade.
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