Thousands stranded as Wow Air stops flying
Wow Air has stopped flying, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
In the early hours of Thursday morning the Icelandic airline said it had cancelled the day’s flights while completing an agreement with a group of investors over raising new funds.
But it later announced it has “ceased operation”, with all future flights cancelled.
The carrier connected Europe and North America via Reykjavik, with UK flights serving London Gatwick, London Stansted and Edinburgh.
Frustrated passenger, travel blogger Ann took to Twitter after being left stranded. She wrote:
This passenger and his family are stuck in Reykjavik after their connecting flight to Frankfurt, to take them home to India, was cancelled at short notice.
Wow Air said in a statement: “Wow Air has ceased operation. All Wow Air flights have been cancelled.
“Passengers are advised to check available flights with other airlines.
“Some airlines may offer flights at a reduced rate, so-called rescue fares, in light of the circumstances.”
It added: “Passengers may also be entitled to compensation from Wow Air, including in accordance with European regulation on Air Passenger Rights.
“In case of a bankruptcy, claims should be filed to the administrator/liquidator.”
Gatwick Airport have advised passengers not to travel to the airport if they have booked flights with the airline. They wrote on Twitter:
The Civil Aviation Authority said travel firms with an Atol licence are responsible for making alternative arrangements to bring their customers home if they are currently overseas with a Wow Air booking.
The regulator said there are a number of options for passengers who booked flights via other methods, including requesting a refund through credit and debit card providers or making a claim with their travel insurance provider.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel magazine, said: “Passengers will quite rightly be appalled that Wow Air was still selling tickets right up to the moment it collapsed knowing full well that any tickets sold would likely not be worth the paper they are printed on.
“You will need to check if you booked your flights as part of a package as this will mean you are Atol protected and will be entitled to your money back.
“If not, you may still be able to claim through your travel insurance or card issuer but it will depend on your circumstances. You can visit which.co.uk for more advice on your rights.”