French air traffic control strike & cancelled flight

Ziegfeldgirl27

Last week in France I received email from Aer Lingus at approx 5pm that my flight departing at 1015 the next day was cancelled. Called their helpline, they put me on next available flight for the following day at no extra charge. They said however the cancellation was out of their control so they would not pay for my accommodation for the extra night.
Got home, called my travel insurance company, they will not reimburse me for extra costs and only offered a small payment for a 'delayed flight' even though it was actually a cancelled flight. They told me to contact airline again.
So I have contacted aer lingus but their automated response says it could be 30 working days before they reply.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this or any advice?

munchkin_utd

according to the EU261 rules, you are entitled to "assistance" which includes meals and if flying the next day also accommodation.
As its extraordinary circumstances you don't get cash compensation, but you aren't looking for that. http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm#apr-problems

even Aer Lingus' own EU 261 notice mentions that they'll pay your accommodation if staying overnight is necessary
https://www.aerlingus.com/media/pdfs/LEGALDELAY.pdf

Ziegfeldgirl27

Thank you so much!!