A family from Bewdley, Worcestershire, has described the heartbreak of having to scrap a £2,500 trip to Gran Canaria after their flight was cancelled amid widespread air traffic control disruption.
Matt Winsper and his family arrived at Bristol Airport in the early hours of Monday, hopeful despite a five-hour wait. However, as the evening wore on, their flight was cancelled, leaving many families in tears.
Mr Winsper said he tried to book an alternative flight but none were available. The family lost £1,300 in non-refundable costs. The disruption, caused by a technical fault at UK air traffic control, has affected thousands of passengers.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper warned the disruption could last several days. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said airlines must honour obligations regarding accommodation and alternative flights.
EasyJet, the airline Mr Winsper was booked with, said it notified customers in advance and offered free transfers or refunds, but noted the situation was outside its control.
