However, insurers are stressing they are not treating this as a terrorism incident because there has been no actual attack. The delays and cancellations are being treated as an event caused by the 'authorities', in much the same way as an airline staff strike.
And there may be some firms which do class the incident as an act of terrorism and therefore exclude all claims. Some even have a further exclusion which absolves them from paying out for claims relating to losses incurred as a result of episodes associated with the "prevention of terrorism".
Defacto's Brian Brown explains: "If these underwriters choose to exclude such claims then you are on your own. Those who are most vulnerable are independent travellers who have booked their own flights and accommodation which has been paid for in advance.
"It is true the airlines are saying they will allow you to rebook where your flight has been cancelled, but how quickly can you get another seat? This is the busiest time of the year for holidaymakers. The flights to Spain, for example, are already flying 95% full. It could take days to get another flight. Meanwhile, you are paying for hotel or apartment accommodation for nothing."
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