How to get free train travel if your flight has been impacted by air traffic control chaos
29.08.2023 - 12:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Train operators are offering free travel for customers trying to return home from their holidays after air traffic control issues caused chaos across the UK.
Thousands of passengers have been left stranded after the technical fault hit on Monday (August 28), which Transport Secretary Mark Harper said was the worst incident of its kind in 'nearly a decade'. The issue started after a technical glitch meant flight plans had to be input manually by controllers.
It has since been resolved, but disruption is set to continue in the coming days with some passengers now left unable to get home due to cancelled and delayed flights.
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Transpennine Express (TPE) and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) are now both offering free travel for those affected and for anyone whose flight back meant they landed at a different airport or travelling on a different date than planned.
TPE said customers affected could travel at no charge and should present their airline ticket, boarding pass, or email confirmation as proof of returning during the disruption. The offer will run until August 31.
Darren Higgins, Commercial Director for TPE, said: “We recognise how difficult this experience has been for many people and hope this decision will provide much-needed relief to those who have been impacted by the technical problems.”
LNER said similarly, customers will be asked to present their airline ticket or boarding pass to make use of the offer to travel standard class, which will run on August 28 and 29.
The issue started on Monday after ATC provider National Air Traffic Services (Nats) suffered what it described as a 'technical issue' preventing it from