05/03/2026
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗲 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱
Just 2 days before our planned return from Colombo on 6 March 2026, the carrier cancelled our flight.
The airline, Qatar Airways, offered two options: a refund of the unused leg or rebooking within fourteen days.
Meanwhile, the Middle East situation was worsening. Therefore, we had to act quickly.
Unfortunately, the airline did not answer calls or emails. So we solved the problem ourselves.
First, we ruled out routes through Middle Eastern airports. Then we searched for alternatives from Colombo to London.
Prices were rising fast. Seats vanished within hours. The race was on.
After several hours comparing routes through cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, we chose Bangkok.
We booked the first flight from Colombo with AirAsia, similar to easyJet, where everything costs extra.
Next came the Bangkok-London leg. Unfortunately, sensible flights were unavailable for ten days. The few options involved strange routes with lengthy stopovers and huge price tags.
Therefore, we decided to stay longer in Bangkok and catch a direct flight later.
Finally, I used my hotel memberships with groups such as Hilton and IHG Hotels & Resorts to book a longer stay. I even joined a new one to get member rates.
Flights secured. Hotel booked. Receipts saved.
Now we wait to see whether the airline or travel insurance will pay the bill. Answer in the next episode.
̇ran
