GROUNDED European airline scraps all flights from London airport – just weeks after announcing them

AN airline has confirmed that they will be scrapping all flights from a London airport - just weeks after announcing them.

Italian start-up Aeroitalia confirmed last month that they would be launching new flights from the UK.

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Aeroitalia has ditched plans to fly from London SouthendCredit: Getty

Operating from London Southend Airport in Essex, the new route would connect the airport to Milan Bergamo, with six weekly flights.

The flights, starting from £70, were due to start on March 25.

However, these have now been taken off sale.

A spokesperson for London Southend Airport confirmed: "Milan remains firmly in our plans.

And it's not the only route Aeroitalia is scrapping.

"We naturally wish Aeroitalia well with their existing and domestic routes at this time.”

They added that they were still hoping to "double traffic" with routes growing from three to 11.

However, direct flights from the airport to Milan have not operated since 2021, when Ryanair scrapped the route.

Plans to launch flights between Ancona and Split in Croatia have also been shelved.

Sadly it's not the only airline to have scrapped flights from the UK in recent weeks

Lufthansa has cancelled all flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, despite only launching the route to Frankfurt back in May 2022.

The Bristol to Frankfurt route with Lufthansa was also scrapped this month, despite only launching in 2021.

Budget airline Wizz Air has cancelled a number of routes too.

Flight compensation rules

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of the "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Flights between Birmingham and Liverpool John Lennon to Cluj-Napoca in Romania are being ditched.

The service was meant to start on March 27 from Birmingham, and the Liverpool John Lennon route was suspended, but then cancelled.

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The routes from the UK to MIlan were due to start next month