Thousands of Turkmenistan Airlines passengers have been left stranded after the European Aviation Safety Agency suspended the airlines European operations over safety concerns.
The Civil Aviation Authority has issued advice for UK passengers. The company operated from Birmingham and London Heathrow via Asghabat to various points including Amritsar, Bangkok, Beijing and Delhi.
Passengers who have flew with the airline may need to make their own arrangements to travel home. It’s recommended that passengers get in touch with the airline or travel insurer for advice.
Airlines which may offer alternative flights back to the UK include:
- Air India
- British Airways
- Jet Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Turkish Airlines (in-direct flights)
Ticket refunds
Passengers wishing to obtain a refund for unused tickets will need to contact the company directly. Passengers who booked directly with the company via either a credit, charge or debit card may alternatively be able to make a claim against their card provider. Some card providers will ask for a negative response letter confirming the position. The CAA have produced a letter should the card provider request one which can be found by clicking here.
If you paid directly to the airline by credit card you might be protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. You should check with your card issuer for further advice. You may have similar cover if you paid by Visa debit card so it’s best to check with your bank.
If you booked your ticket through an ticket agent you should speak to the agent in the first instance; they may have provided travel insurance cover with your ticket purchase, so check with your agent.
If you have booked flights or a holiday that includes flights with a travel firm that holds an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) and received confirmation that you are ATOL protected, the travel firm is responsible for your flight arrangements and must either make alternative flights for you so that your holiday can continue or provide a full refund. If you are abroad, it should make arrangements to bring you home at the end of your trip.
For further advice and information passengers can contact the CAA’s airlines general enquiries line on + 44 (0)844 58 52 065 or + 993 12 39 17 47.
