Birmingham Airport evacuated - what to do if you miss your flight and compensation rules

A major police incident at Birmingham Airport has caused widespread travel disruption this afternoon, with several flights delayed or diverted. The airport site was partially evacuated.

It follows the discovery of a 'suspicious vehicle' in the area as 999 crews work to deal with the 'incident.' All transport links to the airport were suspended with trains and bus services 97A, X1 and X12 unable to serve the terminal stops.

The main road to Birmingham Airport was also closed as thousands face disruption to travel. All roads have since re-opened and operations at the airport are returning to normal. But if you missed your flight, here's what you need to do.

READ MORE: Birmingham Airport evacuated live as all flights suspended over police incident

What to do if your flight is delayed?

When flights are delayed or cancelled, your airlines have a duty to look after you. If necessary, an airline should provide you with meals, accommodation and your money back if you wish to cancel your journey.

The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it. Precisely what you’re entitled to will depend on how far away your destination was and how long you were delayed.

If you still intend to fly, the airline should organise putting you on an alternative flight, at no extra cost. Check out the Civil Aviation Authority's website here for more information.

What to do if your flight is cancelled - and do I get compensation?

Under UK law, airlines must provide you with care and assistance if your flight is cancelled. Your airline must let you choose between either getting a refund or being booked on to an alternative flight. You can get your money back for any part of the ticket you have not used.

However, customers are not entitled to additional financial compensation for delays caused by circumstances beyond the airlines' control. According to the Civil Aviation Authority: "If it wasn’t the airline’s fault, don’t expect to receive any compensation. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation."

Full information on flight cancellations is available on the Civil Aviation Authority website.