ONE popular airline was forced to stop flights this week after a ‘freak’ maintenance issue.
Thousands of passengers have had their flights cancelled or delayed due to an unusual safety problem.
According to Finnair, the issue that caused the cancellation was aircraft seat covers being cleaned incorrectly.
A statement from the airline revealed that the “seat cover cleaning method (water washing) on fire protection has not been properly verified”.
It continued to add that safety is its “top priority” and it would be acting on the “manufacturers’ maintenance instructions as well as the guidelines and recommendations of the authorities”.
The airline said that it would make daily aircraft type changes to minimise the number of cancellations, but that this would likely “lead to overbookings”.
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It added that “several flights between 13 and 17 October 2025” had been cancelled and it would be likely that there would be more “flight cancellations, delays or changes in the operating airline”.
On October 13-14, the airline cancelled 40 services, with a further 18 more services grounded on October 15-16, according to FlightAware.
Today, four flights have been cancelled travelling from London Heathrow to Finland‘s capital, Helsinki.
Finnair is one of Europe‘s largest airlines and the cancellations have affected around 10,000 passengers.
Passengers caught up by these cancellation mishap may be due up to £520 in compensation for the inconvenience caused, as outlined by AirAdvisor.
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, said: “From a compensation perspective under UK and EU law passengers whose flights were cancelled as a result of this operational error could be due up to £520 in compensation.”
Anton continued: “It remains to be seen how Finnair will frame the cause of the cancellations, but the issue appears to have originated from a maintenance procedure rather than a regulatory safety order.
“If your flight is delayed by over two hours, airlines should offer affected passengers free food and drink vouchers to make the delay more comfortable.
“Equally, if your flight is moved to the following day, you can seek overnight accommodation from your airline.”
There were also problems in Belgium airports this week as thousands of passengers had their journeys interrupted due to strikes.
Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport on Tuesday cancelled all their flights on October 14, due to a national strike being held by several unions
Belgium has as many as 120 flights a day, according to finance experts at Dot Dot Loans.
This means as many as 72 flights to and from the UK saw disruption, affecting nearly 13,000 passengers.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
For more on Finnair, one Sun Writer checked out their business class pods – and called them a game-changer.
Plus, the major airline launches first lie-flat beds in premium economy.