Ryanair Flight to Bergamo Delayed 12 Hours, Passengers Explore Compensation Rights
What began as a routine return from holiday travel quickly devolved into a frustrating ordeal for passengers at Trapani Airport on Thursday. A Ryanair flight scheduled to depart for Bergamo at 9:00 AM local time experienced a cascade of delays, ultimately taking off approximately 12 hours behind schedule, shortly after 9:00 PM.
the initial 9:00 AM departure was first pushed back to 1:40 PM, then further delayed to 7:25 PM. Just as passengers boarded the aircraft, a reported wheel fault brought the process to a halt, adding another two hours to the already significant wait.These disruptions are linked to broader issues at Orio al Serio International Airport (bergamo), which have been experiencing delays and cancellations since the previous day.
While Ryanair has offered compensation to affected passengers, many are considering further action. Travelers are citing EC Regulation 261/2004, which grants financial compensation - starting at €250 - for significant flight delays and cancellations, effectively treating prolonged delays as equivalent to cancellations. The regulation applies to flights departing from an EU airport, as was the case with the Trapani flight, or arriving in the EU on an EU carrier. You can find more information about your rights as a passenger on the European Commission’s passenger rights website.
The president of Airgest, the Bergamo airport management company, expressed regret over the situation but indicated limited ability to intervene directly, as responsibility for the flight and its delays rests with Ryanair. This highlights the complexities of airport operations where airlines maintain significant control over their flights.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential for disruption in air travel and the importance of understanding passenger rights.While airlines are generally responsible for providing care and compensation during significant delays, proactive planning – including travel insurance and awareness of EC Regulation 261/2004
– can help mitigate the impact of unexpected disruptions.
Last updated January 4, 2024, at 22:15 GMT.
