The number of significantly delayed or cancelled flights at Norwich Airport has soared by more than 160pc in just one year, new figures claim.

From January to June last year, there were 67 services which were cancelled or delayed for more than three hours, meeting the European Union (EU) threshold at which passengers can lodge a compensation claim.

But according to data from EU Claim, during the same period this year the number more than doubled, with 175 affected flights – a rise of 161pc.

According to EU guidelines, if a flight is scrapped or more than three hours late, passengers are entitled to claim cash back.

However, a spokesperson for Norwich Airport said the inclusion of delayed or cancelled flights both leaving the airport and arriving from other destinations was misleading.

'We understand that their stated information includes not just cancellations and delays for flights departing from Norwich Airport, but bizarrely also flights that were destined for Norwich that were delayed or cancelled at their airport of origin, over which Norwich Airport clearly has no control,' they said.

In a statement, they said a large proportion of the cancelled flights were between Aberdeen Airport and Norwich, reflecting the 'well-documented downturn in the oil and gas industry'.

'What is true is that Norwich Airport takes any disruption to its passengers' journey seriously and works hard to ensure that passengers are kept informed of the reasons for delays and cancellations, and are assisted as far as is practicable to complete their journey,' they added.

Adeline Noorderhaven, UK Manager for EU Claim, which helps passengers with compensation, said poor weather this year had left many airports battling to keep flights punctual.

The first half of 2016 has seen turbulent conditions, with Storm Katie bringing downpours and strong winds across the region in March, and flash floods in June bringing roads to a standstill.

EU Claim's figures – which do not reflect the number of claims actually made – put Norwich at the top of a list of airports with the steepest increase in late or cancelled flights. Second to Norwich's 161pc was major airport London Gatwick, which saw a 77pc year-on-year rise.

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