We know this situation might be worrying, especially if you have travel plans coming up. Below you'll find guidance based on the most common questions we're seeing from travellers. 

My flight has already been cancelled. Am I due a refund?

If your airline cancels your flight, you are normally entitled to choose between:

• A full refund, or
• An alternative flight (either the next available service or a later date that suits you)

The exact options depend on the airline's policy and the country your flight departs from. 

If you booked directly with the airline, we recommend contacting them through their official website or app. Many airlines are prioritising passengers affected by disruptions and may offer self-service refund or rebooking options in the "Manage my booking" section. 

If you booked through an online travel agent, you'll need to contact them directly. They manage your booking and will process any refund or changes on your behalf. 

I'm struggling to get in touch with my travel provider

With the level of disruption, many travel providers are struggling with contact volumes. We understand how frustrating this can be. 

A few things that can help:

• Check your airline or travel agent's website for disruption updates before calling.
• Use live chat or social media support channels if phone lines are busy.
• Log in to your booking online, as many airlines allow you to request refunds or changes without speaking to an agent. 
• Keep records of cancellation emails, screenshots, and receipts. 

If your flight was cancelled by the airline, you should not cancel it yourself unless advised to do so, as this can affect your refund eligibility. 

I'm travelling in the next week or two. Will my flight still operate?

Right now, the situation can change quickly depending on airspace restrictions and airline routing decisions. 

The most reliable source of information is your airline directly. We recommend:

• Checking your flight status on the airline's website, not just on airport screens. 
• Downloading the airline's app and enabling notifications. 
• Monitor your email regularly for schedule updates. 

If your flight is still showing as scheduled, it usually means the airline intends to operate it. Airlines sometimes reroute flights around closed airspace, which can cause longer journey times but still allow the flight to go ahead. 

Avoid cancelling your booking unless the airline has cancelled first, as voluntary cancellations may be subject to fare rules. 

If you're feeling unsure about travelling, review your ticket's flexibility rules in "Manage my booking" to see if you're eligible for a free change. 

I'm travelling later (more than two weeks from now). Should I be worried?

For future travel, it's often too early to know how many things will develop. 

Airlines regularly adjust schedules in response to events like this. If changes are needed, airlines will contact affected passengers directly using the contact details on the booking. 

If you've already booked:

• Keep an eye on your booking confirmation email.
• Make sure your contact details are correct with your airline or travel agent. 
• Check your flight status closer to departure.

If you're about to book:

• Consider the route and whether it could be affected. 
• Consider choosing fares with flexible change options. 
• Review the airline's disruption and refund policy before confirming. 
• Think about travel insurance that covers disruption. 

At this stage, most airlines continue to operate many services, sometimes using alternative flight paths. 

A quick reminder about Skyscanner's role

Skyscanner helps you compare flights and find travel providers, but we don't operate flights or manage bookings. The airline or travel agent you booked with is responsible for refunds, changes, and cancellations. 

We know how stressful travel disruption can be, especially when plans involve family, work, or important events. Checking directly with your airline and keeping your booking details up to date will give you the clearest and fastest answers. Of course, if you still have questions for us, feel free to get in touch via the Contact Us form, and we'll do our best to help if we can.