The Airline maintains that there were low temperatures and icy conditions at Dublin airport
which affected the departure of the preceding flight. As the preceding flight incurred delay,
the Airline cancelled the rotation (inbound and outbound flights) and the following rotation as
well, as they would operate with a delay, and they considered protecting the rest of the
aircraft’s schedule.
From the outstart, I have no evidence to demonstrate the direct causal link between the
adverse weather and the cancellation of the Flight. Icy conditions and low temperatures at
Dublin and Edinburgh airports in December are not unusual. It is not sufficient to state the
weather conditions, the causal link between the adverse weather and the cancellation of the
Flight must be demonstrated. I am satisfied that the burden of proof is on the Airline, and from
the evidence before me, it has not been demonstrated. Further to this, there is no evidence
that the Flight could not operate with a delay but instead needed to be cancelled. The
measures taken by the Airline appear to consider the protection of the rest of the aircraft’s
schedule, but no measures have been demonstrated to avoid the cancellation of the Flight.
Accordingly, I am not satisfied that the Airline has demonstrated that the Flight was affected
by an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ leading to its cancellation. As such, compensation in this
claim is due.