Steps to take if flight grounded by volcanic ash

FLIGHTS in UK airspace are set to be cancelled from noon (BST) until at least 1800 (BST) as ash from a volcano in Iceland drifts over the UK.

Air traffic regulator NATS has said that no flights will be permitted in UK controlled airspace other than emergency situations.

They intend to monitor the situation with the Met Office, passengers are being asked to visit their airline's website for further information.

Consumer watchdog, Which? Holiday, said: "Affected passengers are being offered a choice of a full refund or transfer on to another flight.

"But, airlines don’t have to compensate passengers for loss of any additional elements to holidays, such as accommodation and car hire.

"It may be possible to claim for these additional elements on your travel insurance, but passengers will need to check their individual policies."

Under European Union’s regulation (EC) NO 261/2004, if your flight is cancelled you have the choice:

- To cancel your booking and receive a refund of your unused ticket, and for the part of the journey already made if the delay means your flight no longer serves any purpose in relation to your original travel plans. Where relevant if you have already completed one or more segments of your flight you should be offered a return flight to your first point of departure at the earliest opportunity.

- To take an alternative flight, under comparable transport conditions, to your final destination, where seats are available, at the earliest opportunity.

- To take an alternative flight to your destination, under comparable transport conditions and where seats are available, at a later date.

- Where the flight is part of a “package holiday” the cancellation could amount to a 'significant alteration' to the package. Whether it does depends on how much later the alternative flight you are offered leaves. If the alteration is significant and you are not happy to go ahead with the holiday, you would be entitled to a refund of the full cost of the package and not just the flight