Where can I find out the real reason for a cancelled flight?
My flight was cancelled due to non technical reasons (allegedly air traffic congestion) so my compensation was denied. I suspect they are just trying to avoid paying the compensation by declaring a non technical problem (in EU passengers are entitled a compensation if the aircraft doesn't depart due to a technical fault, as noncritical it may be). Is there any reliable source out there where I can find out the real reason for a cancelled flight and use it as a proof?
Best Answer
This kind of question comes up a lot, and usually boils down to: If an airline denies compensation due to "extraordinary circumstances", how can I prove otherwise?
The answer is: You don't have to. The burden of proof is on the airline.
If you suspect the airline is lying to you, you can demand proof. If they don't, or you don't believe them, and you take it to court, they will have to submit proof or pay compensation.
Of course you can check publicly available information to see if their explanation is plausible. If you know that there was bad weather, for example, it makes no sense to enter into a legal fight.
Also: "Technical" or "non-technical" has nothing to do with compensation. The only question is: Was it impossible for the airline to prevent the delay?
Bad weather cannot be prevented by the airline, so they don't have to pay. If a crew member falls sick, they do get to pay: They could have prevented the problem by having enough reserve crew available. If they have a technical malfunction, they could have prevented the problem by having a spare part (or plane) available.
In your case: "Air traffic congestion" may not even be a reason to refuse compensation. The airline would have to prove that this was something that could not have been expected and was completely out of their control. This could be the case if the "congestion" was caused by bad weather; but if the congestion is something that happens regularly, the airline still has to pay compensation.
As for how to resolve such situations: I would first insist with the airline, in writing, the go to the regulator and only use a claim site as a last resort. (Some claim sites even use the free services of the regulator and then take a hefty fee from the compensation).
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How can I find out the reason for a flight cancellation?
You can call the airline's customer care (You can get their number from your ticket) and ask them about the reason for the cancellation of the flight. Most airlines don't want to disclose the cause, but you should call the airline to ask why the cancellation.Can flights get Cancelled for no reason?
It's important to remember that flights are only ever cancelled when it's in the best interest of the passenger, and when this happens, most airlines will typically have some type of compensation organized. It can be even more frustrating when there's no obvious cause for the cancellation, but there is always a reason.Are airlines reimbursing for Cancelled flights?
The airline is required to compensate you for a canceled flight if you were notified less than 14 days before your original scheduled departure date. However, compensation is not required if the airline proves that extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather) caused the cancellation.Travel frustrations mount after weekend of canceled, delayed flights
More answers regarding where can I find out the real reason for a cancelled flight?
Answer 2
If you can't reliably determine the cause, but think you were denied unfairly, you should contact EU mobility and transport, or contact your country's Consumer Centre.
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