Turkish Airlines faces flight chaos as severe winter weather in Istanbul leads to cancellations and long delays, stranding passengers.

Turkish Airlines is grappling with widespread flight cancellations and significant delays this week as severe winter weather continues to impact airport operations in Istanbul. The adverse conditions have left many travelers stranded, with flights either rescheduled days later or canceled altogether.

Ongoing Flight Cancellations and Delays

The harsh winter weather in Istanbul shows no signs of letting up, causing ongoing disruptions to Turkish Airlines’ flight schedule. Many passengers are facing delays of several hours, while others have been rebooked on alternate flights scheduled days away. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of further cancellations as weather conditions evolve.

Lack of Clarity on Passenger Rights

One of the biggest challenges for affected passengers is the lack of clear information regarding their rights. Turkish Airlines’ website does not provide explicit details about its obligations to travelers facing cancellations or lengthy delays. This has added to the frustration for those trying to rebook or seek compensation for their disrupted travel plans.

Extraordinary Circumstances vs. Duty to Care

While the severe weather in Istanbul is classified as an extraordinary circumstance—exempting Turkish Airlines from compensation for delays or cancellations—the airline is still bound by its Duty to Care obligations. As a result, travelers have the right to:

• Rebooking: Passengers can request to be rebooked to their destination at the earliest opportunity, even if it involves flying with another airline. If this is not suitable, they also have the right to request a full refund, even on non-refundable tickets.
• Accommodation and Meals: Turkish Airlines is required to provide accommodation and meals for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations. However, it is common for airlines to require passengers to initially cover these expenses themselves and later seek reimbursement.

Navigating Rebooking Challenges

Travelers impacted by these disruptions are encouraged to actively seek rebooking options. This can be particularly challenging if customer service lines are overwhelmed or airport ticketing desks are unable to assist due to the high volume of affected passengers. In such cases, passengers are advised to explore alternative routes or airlines to reach their destinations.

Important Tips for Affected Passengers

1. Document All Expenses: Keep receipts for any accommodation, meals, or transport expenses incurred due to delays or cancellations. These can be submitted to Turkish Airlines for reimbursement.
2. Know Your Rights: For flights originating from the EU/EEA, passengers have the right to be rebooked on the next available flight, regardless of the airline.
3. Stay Informed: Continuously check Turkish Airlines’ website or app for real-time updates on flight status.

Lingering Effects and Passenger Backlog

The adverse weather in Istanbul is expected to persist for a few more days, and even once conditions improve, it may take up to a week for Turkish Airlines to clear the backlog of affected passengers. Travelers are urged to remain patient and flexible as the airline works to restore its flight schedule to normal.

Conclusion

The ongoing winter weather disruptions in Istanbul have created significant challenges for Turkish Airlines and its passengers. While compensation may not be applicable due to the extraordinary circumstances, the Duty to Care obligations remain in effect. Affected travelers should assert their rights for rebooking, accommodation, and meals while maintaining thorough documentation of expenses. As the situation develops, staying informed and proactive is crucial for minimizing inconvenience.

The post How Istanbul’s Severe Winter Weather Is Causing Chaos for Turkish Airlines with Flight Cancellations and Passenger Delays appeared first on Travel And Tour World.