Finnair review by Brad

Finnair AY82 was cancelled with email advice sent on 18 Aug 2017 at 1232. This was approximately one hour after boarding in Perth. No advice of cancellation was given during the flight. After enquiring at the Transit Lounge, we were advised that the flight was cancelled and to return at 1930 approximately two hours later for further advice. No reason was given for cancellation. At approximately 1945 we were advised that we were now booked on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ336 to Paris departing 19 Aug 2017 at 0010 arriving Charles de Gaulle at 0730. This flight connected with Finnair AY872 to Helsinki departing 1050 arriving Helsinki 1450 (eight hours after planned arrival in Helsinki). The disruption caused the cancellation of a planned city tour of Singapore with friends during the original six hour stopover due to the requirement to remain at the airport for updates. No meal allowance or vouchers for breakfast or refreshments were provided for the unplanned stopover in Paris. Breakfast and refreshments were at our expense. The planned flight from Perth to Helsinki was a Full Service Fare. The connecting Finnair AY872 flight from Paris to Helsinki was not and required all food and beverages to be purchased. No vouchers were provided or cost dispensation made. Under EU Passenger Rights under Regulation (EC)261/2004 compensation of 600 Euro per passenger should have been paid, however Finnair rejected this claiming extraordinary circumstances quoting a technical problem. Interesting the Finland Consumer Ombudsman has initiated an injunction with the Finland Market Court for 1,5 million Euro for this very thing.