Thousands of air travellers are still displaced following the bank holiday Air Traffic Control outage. The computer failure is classed as extraordinary circumstances by airlines under EU 261 compensation laws, but Which? editor Rory Boland said carriers still had obligations towards their passengers.

"In particular travellers should be aware that their airline has a responsibility to reroute them as soon as possible, even if that means buying them a ticket with a rival carrier - a rule that some airlines appear to be ignoring. Passengers should also be given food and refreshments and overnight accommodation if required,” he said. 

Boland added passengers "understand this is not an issue caused by airlines", but remain frustrated by the "poor communication" and "lack of care" they receive from carriers.

"During travel crises we see repeat offending from airlines looking to wriggle out of their legal responsibilities knowing that they’re unlikely to face any real consequences for leaving passengers high and dry during periods of disruption," he added.

“Already we’re seeing worrying reports of passengers being left stranded without support, and airlines failing to properly communicate with their passengers or fulfil their legal obligations such as offering timely rerouting or providing overnight accommodation.” 

He called for the CAA to step in when any carrier was found failing in its responsibilities and for a change in laws when parliament reconvenes on Monday (4 September).

"The prime minister must play his part and prioritise legislation to deliver the government’s commitment for stronger enforcement powers in the King’s Speech later this year, so that this ongoing cycle of poor behaviour from airlines can finally be broken," he said.