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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Orlaith Clinton

easyJet statement as flights from Belfast International Airport cancelled

Five flights that were due to depart from Belfast International Airport have been cancelled this afternoon.

The easyJet routes to Corfu, Bristol, London Gatwick, Liverpool and Manchester were all due to depart between 1.30pm and 5.30pm on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the airline told Belfast Live that they are currently experiencing IT system issues.

Read more: Passport expiry date rules for popular holiday destinations

"Unfortunately, we are currently experiencing IT systems issues which means that flights due to depart between 13:00 and 15:00 UK time today may be impacted," he added.

"Our team of IT specialists is working to restore the systems as soon as possible.

"We advise customers due to travel with us today to continue to check Flight Tracker to check the status of their flight before making their way to the airport. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and would like to thank customers for their patience as we work to resolve this as soon as possible."

An eyewitness at the airport told Belfast Live: "I was trying to console a young girl who was supposed to be attending her graduation ball in Liverpool tonight.

"She had already transferred from a cancelled Liverpool flight to one to Manchester when it was later cancelled too."

The Consumer Council is reminding consumers of their rights in the wake of these latest cancellations.

Head of Transport at the Consumer Council, Richard Williams, said: "If your flight is delayed, cancelled or you are denied boarding, you are entitled to assistance, including food, drink, and overnight accommodation if needed. Passengers should keep receipts for any expenses and also keep any evidence of any contact made by easyJet.

"If your flight is cancelled, the airline must also offer you the option of:

• a refund within seven days; or

• alternative transport to your final destination.

"Passengers should be aware that they may also be entitled to compensation due to their flight being cancelled despite easyJet saying that the ‘IT system failure’ is an 'extraordinary circumstance’ in which they do not need to pay compensation.

"To claim compensation, passengers can complete an online form on easyJet's website. If passengers remain dissatisfied with the airline’s response, they can get in touch with the Consumer Council by calling 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk and we will take up the complaint on their behalf.”

Read more: Irish passport panic for NI family after three month wait for son's travel document

Read more: How do I apply for an Irish passport?

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