Flight Cancelled Stornoway – What to Do & How to Get Compensation

Stornoway Flight Cancelled? Your Rights & Next Steps

Located on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, Stornoway Airport (SYY) is the gateway to the Outer Hebrides, connecting travelers to the rest of the UK. While flights from this regional airport are usually reliable, cancellations can happen due to weather disruptions, technical issues, or airline operational decisions. If your flight from Stornoway Airport was cancelled, you may be eligible for compensation under UK261 and EC261 regulations.

In this guide, we’ll explain why flights from Stornoway get cancelled, what your rights are, alternative travel options, and how you can claim up to €600 in compensation.

Why Do Flights from Stornoway Get Cancelled?

Stornoway Airport is heavily influenced by weather conditions, given its location in the North Atlantic. Here are the main reasons why flights from Stornoway might be cancelled:

1. Severe Weather Conditions

• High winds, storms, and fog are common in the Outer Hebrides, making landings and takeoffs unsafe.

• Winter months see an increase in weather-related cancellations.

2. Airline Technical or Operational Issues

• Mechanical failures or aircraft maintenance delays can lead to cancellations.

• Lack of crew availability due to scheduling problems or airline strikes.

3. Low Passenger Demand

• As a small airport, airlines sometimes cancel flights if there aren’t enough passengers to make the trip profitable.

4. Air Traffic Control Restrictions

• Nearby airports such as Inverness (INV) or Glasgow (GLA) can experience congestion, leading to cascading cancellations that affect Stornoway.

Can You Get Compensation for a Cancelled Flight from Stornoway?

If your flight from Stornoway was cancelled at short notice (less than 14 days before departure), you may be entitled to compensation under UK261 and EC261 regulations.

Your Compensation Rights

• Short-haul flights (up to 1,500 km): Up to €250 per passenger

• Medium-haul flights (1,500 – 3,500 km): Up to €400 per passenger

• Long-haul flights (over 3,500 km): Up to €600 per passenger

However, compensation is not available if the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances like severe weather.

What the Airline Must Offer You

Even if you are not eligible for monetary compensation, the airline must provide:
✔ A replacement flight to your destination OR a full refund
✔ Meals and refreshments during waiting times
✔ Hotel accommodation if your replacement flight is scheduled for the next day
✔ Transport between the airport and hotel if necessary

Alternative Travel Options from Stornoway

If your flight from Stornoway has been cancelled, you might not want to wait for the next available flight. Here are alternative options to continue your journey:

1. Check for Alternative Flights from Inverness (INV)

• Inverness Airport is the nearest major airport with more connections.

• How to get there: Take the ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool (2h 30min) and then a bus or taxi to Inverness Airport (2h drive).

2. Consider Taking the Ferry to the Mainland

• The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry operates between Stornoway and Ullapool.

• Once on the mainland, you can take a train or drive to Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Aberdeen for more flight options.

3. Travel via Glasgow or Edinburgh

• If you're heading to a major UK city, flights from Glasgow (GLA) or Edinburgh (EDI) may be more reliable.

• You can reach these airports by taking the ferry + a direct bus or train from Inverness.

What to Do Immediately After Your Flight is Cancelled

If you’re at Stornoway Airport and your flight gets cancelled, follow these steps:

Step 1: Speak to the Airline

• Ask why the flight was cancelled and whether compensation or an alternative flight is available.

Step 2: Request Proof of Cancellation

• Airlines sometimes avoid paying compensation by citing weather or extraordinary circumstances.

• Request an official document stating the reason for cancellation.

Step 3: Keep Receipts for Additional Expenses

• If you book a hotel, buy food, or take alternative transport, keep all receipts.

• The airline must reimburse reasonable costs under passenger rights laws.

Step 4: Check If You’re Eligible for Compensation

• You can use Trouble Flight’s free eligibility check to see if you’re entitled to compensation.

Common Airlines Flying from Stornoway – Are You Eligible?

The following airlines operate from Stornoway Airport and must comply with UK261 compensation rules:

✈ Loganair – Frequent cancellations due to weather or operational issues
✈ British Airways – Some flights operated through partnerships
✈ Other regional airlines – Subject to UK261 regulations if departing from the UK

If your flight with any of these airlines was cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation.

Real Passenger Stories – Flight Cancellations in Stornoway

✈ "My flight from Stornoway to Edinburgh was cancelled due to bad weather, but the airline didn't provide clear instructions. I had to find my own ferry to Ullapool and book a last-minute bus to Glasgow to catch another flight. Trouble Flight helped me claim €250 for the inconvenience." – Sarah T.

✈ "Loganair cancelled my flight last minute, and I was stranded in Stornoway. I was able to book an alternative flight from Inverness, but I had to cover the ferry cost myself. After filing a claim with Trouble Flight, I got my expenses refunded and an additional €250 in compensation." – James W.

Claim Your Flight Compensation Today

If your flight from Stornoway Airport was cancelled, you don’t have to bear the financial burden. You may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation.

🔹 Check your eligibility for free – it takes only 2 minutes!
🔹 No win, no fee – we handle everything for you.
🔹 Receive your compensation quickly – with no hassle.

💰 Don’t let your money go unclaimed – start your claim today! 💰