MP backs Darwen jet delay couple (From Blackburn Citizen)
When news happens, text LT and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
MP backs Darwen jet delay couple
2:41pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News
DARWEN MP Jake Berry has called on an airline to compensate a couple who were stranded at a Portugal airport for nearly 12 hours.
Stephen and Mandy Ainsworth, of Astley Bank, Darwen, were stuck at Faro Airport after an operational fault prevented the departure of their Jet2.com flight three years ago.
The couple has been fighting for compensation from Jet2 ever since.
Mr Berry said: “This is deeply unfair that Mr and Mrs Ainsworth have struggled for three years to win compensation.
“I have been in talks with Jet2, the Department of Transport and Mr Ainsworth to try to agree a way forward, however, Jet2 is still refusing to pay.”
Mr Ainsworth said: “This is a matter of fairness and I believe there are others in the same situation.”
A Jet2.com spokeswoman said: “After a thorough investigation into the cause of Mr Ainsworth’s delay we have found that this was due to an extraordinary circumstance which was unforeseeable and unavoidable and therefore there is no liability to pay compensation.
“We would like to once again extend our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused during this delay.”
Comments(2)
JohnR1
says...
9:09pm Wed 20 Feb 13
m there is a thread on there regarding this compensation and extaordinary circumstances in respect of aircraft are few and far between. If the plane broke down, the airline does not have a leg to stand on owing to an EU ruling. Recent court cases have claified the position and even the Volcano of a few years back is NO excuse.
tombhoy says...
7:17pm Wed 20 Feb 13
Surely some sort of regulator or ombudsman should be looking at cases like this, with airline companies submitting their point of view in an effort to explain away the delay. Individuals would also have the opportunity to show what losses they suffered because of the delay. A FAIR assessment could then be undertaken, and an appropriate level of compensation awarded.