Glasgow Airport
Glasgow International Airport has been operational since 1966. It is Scotland's second largest airport, after Edinburgh. In 2014, it welcomed nearly 8 million travellers.
Despite Brexit, air traffic between the United Kingdom and the European Union remains very high. Scotland continues to be a popular tourist destination.
Travelling to or currently in Glasgow? Here's what you need to know about your rights in case of disruptions.
The European regulation
Within the European Union, the Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 governs civil aviation. It ensures a number of rights for travellers and obligations for airlines.
Despite Brexit, many flights to Edinburgh are still covered. Additionally, there is a transcription of this regulation in UK law known as UK 261 Regulation.
Flights covered by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004
The European regulation does not apply to all flights. It covers:
- any flight departing from an airport within the European Community area (including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland)
- any flight arriving at an airport within the same community area, operated by an airline based there.
As Glasgow Airport is not within the European Community area, it will depend on the origin of the flight landing there.
For flights departing from Glasgow, it will depend on the destination and the airline operating the flight.
The UK 261 Regulation, the UK equivalent
Since Brexit, the UK 261 Regulation has replaced the European regulation.
It guarantees the same rights to travellers provided their flight falls under UK law. The same compensation scheme is available, with some variations in calculation methods.
Your Rights at Glasgow Airport
If you are in Glasgow, you are most often protected by European law, UK law, or both.
Exceptions include flights from third countries operated by third-country airlines. Three airlines are affected: Air Transat, based in Canada, Corendon Airlines, in Turkey, and Emirates, in the United Arab Emirates.
All other flights ensure you the following rights.
The right to be transported to your destination
If you have a valid ticket and documents, the airline must assist you at boarding.
Your flight may be delayed or cancelled. The airline may also deny you boarding due to overbooking. However, they are still obliged to get you to your destination.
They must offer you re-routing at the earliest opportunity. If no solution satisfies you, they must refund you.
Be aware, however, that if you accept the refund, you waive any further assistance. You also waive any compensation.
The right, under certain conditions, to have your expenses covered
A significant delay can incur expenses (meals, drinks, etc.). The airline must cover these.
If you need to stay overnight, they may even cover your hotel stay. Similarly, if you need to make phone calls, they must cover up to two calls.
The right, under certain conditions, to compensation
European legislation provides for a fixed compensation ranging from €125 to €600. This compensation is also available under the UK 261 Regulation.
It is subject to conditions. You must apply for it. The delay must be significant, the airline must be responsible, and the amount varies depending on the flight distance.
Experienced a disruption at Glasgow Airport? Delayed is here to help
Whether under UK or European law, you are covered during your flight at Glasgow Airport.
However, asserting your rights is not always straightforward.
As specialists in air passenger rights, Delayed assists you with your claims.
Was your flight delayed, cancelled, or overbooked? Contact us and claim up to €600 for your ticket.