UK air traffic shutdown leaves passengers £1,300 out of pocket

A four-hour shutdown of the UK's air traffic control system on Tuesday has caused widespread flight disruption, leaving passengers like Catie and Phil Allen £1,300 out of pocket after their holiday to Slovenia was cancelled. The couple received a flight refund but lost money on separately booked accommodation and excursions. Airlines must rebook passengers at no extra cost or offer refunds for cancellations, but extra compensation is not payable because the disruption was beyond their control. Travel insurers have also rejected claims, stating air traffic issues fall outside policy coverage, while package holidays are fully protected unlike independent bookings. Delayed passengers are entitled to food and hotel stays, though many slept on airport floors due to a lack of nearby accommodation. Aviation Minister Keir Mather called the disruption "unacceptable" and acknowledged airports struggled to cope with the number of affected passengers.