Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to snow at Manchester Airport

Plummeting temperatures, snow and ice have caused major travel disruption across the region this week.

Road, rail and public transport have all been impacted by the freezing conditions. But flights at Manchester Airport have been particularly affected as it was forced to close its runways on four separate days this week due to snowfall.

On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday the airport suspended operations to enable its fleet of snow-clearing vehicles to fully mobilise.

Even once flights resumed after the runways reopened, the closures have had a knock-on effect on flight schedules, which can be extremely frustrating for passengers.

Delays occur when an aircraft misses their take-off slot, meaning it has to wait for a gap in the schedule, which can sometimes take several hours. In some cases a flight is cancelled altogether.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to the snowy weather, you might be wondering what your rights are.

When it comes to extreme weather, compensation is unlikely as Naomi Leach, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel explains: "Passengers affected by the runway closures at Manchester Airport won't be eligible for compensation as the circumstances are beyond any airlines' control, however carriers do have an ongoing duty of care to those impacted.

“For flights delayed by more than two hours, this could include assistance such as providing food and drink, usually supplied as meal vouchers, or even overnight accommodation if it becomes necessary.

"If your flight is cancelled, you also have the choice of being refunded or rerouted on the next available flight. We'd generally recommend the latter, as then your airline must get you to your destination as soon as possible - including with a rival carrier, if necessary.

Airlines can sometimes be reluctant to buy you a ticket with their competitors, so don't be afraid to remind them of this rule if another flight could get you where you need to go quicker than they can.

"If you're travelling today, allow extra time for your journey and check with your airline for the latest updates before setting off. It's also worth checking the terms of your travel insurance to see if you are able to recoup any other expenses you may incur as a result of the delays, such as car hire or airport parking fees."

For more of today's top stories, click here.