Martin Lewis has spoken about what compensation passengers may be entitled to whose flights were cancelled because of the Luton airport fire.
A huge blaze took hold of the terminal car park 2 on the night of Tuesday, October 10, with all commercial flights cancelled until 3pm the next day.
Some 150 flights were cancelled with other arrivals redirected to other UK destinations, affecting around 30,000 people.
Mr Lewis told listeners to his BBC podcast there are unfortunately “no compensation rights” in this situation.
He explained: “You are sometimes entitled to compensation if it is the airline’s fault. It’s not for me to adjudicate, but I would be very, very shocked if it were thought that a fire at Luton airport were defined as one of the airline’s fault. So it is almost certain you are not due any compensation.”
However, the financial journalist also said those whose flights were cancelled may still be able to get their money back.
He commented: “Anyone whose flight is cancelled, you are entitled to an alternative flight. Technically, it should be an alternative flight on any airline but most airlines don’t deliver on that and I can tell you what the rules are, but pushing it is very hard.
“Or a full refund. And you’re always entitled to that if your flight has been cancelled.”
More than 100 firefighters worked to put out the blaze, with 15 fire engines dispatched to the scene.
Fire investigators said 1,200 cars were damaged in the fire, which broke out on the third floor of the car park.
Andrew Hopkinson, chief fire officer for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the fire started in a diesel-powered vehicle that had not long arrived in the car park.
London Luton Airport said in an update on Twitter after the airport reopened to commercial flights: “For those arriving by car, the Long and Mid-stay car parks are fully operational, and a temporary drop-off area has been established in the Mid-stay car park.
“For those travelling to the airport by rail, the DART shuttle remains out of service with replacement buses in operation.
“Additional staff remain on hand to assist passengers across the airport. Those with queries relating to a parked vehicle or future booking, in Terminal Car Park 2 and Terminal Car Park 1, should contact luton.customerservices@apcoa.com for support.”
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