Thousands of passengers across the UK have faced flight cancellations and delays following a major air traffic control outage. If your travel plans were disrupted, you may be entitled to refunds or compensation under UK and EU regulations.
What Are Your Rights?
Under UK261 regulations, passengers on flights departing from or arriving in the UK are protected if their journey is delayed or cancelled due to circumstances within the airline’s control. However, air traffic control issues are often classified as "extraordinary circumstances," which can complicate claims.
When Can You Claim Compensation?
- If your flight is delayed by more than three hours, you may be eligible for compensation.
- If your flight is cancelled, you have the right to a full refund or rebooking.
- For delays exceeding two hours, airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary.
What If the Airline Blames Air Traffic Control?
While airlines often cite air traffic control issues as "extraordinary circumstances," passengers should still check their eligibility for compensation. Some cases may still qualify, especially if the disruption was foreseeable or avoidable.
How to Claim
- Gather evidence – Keep boarding passes, receipts, and any communication from the airline.
- Submit a claim – Contact the airline directly or use a claims management service.
- Escalate if needed – If the airline refuses, escalate your case to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Passengers are advised to act quickly, as claims typically have a six-year time limit in the UK.
