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Depends on the specific cause — many "extraordinary" claims are wrong
Am I eligible for compensation if my flight was disrupted by a strike or bad weather?
By Emma WalshUpdated 8 July 20265 min read
Quick Answer
Extraordinary circumstances that exempt the airline from paying UK261 compensation include severe weather that makes flying unsafe, air traffic control restrictions, security threats, and political instability. They do NOT include crew sickness, staff shortages, technical faults with the aircraft, or strikes by the airline's own pilots or cabin crew — UK courts have repeatedly ruled these are within the airline's control. Strikes by airport ground staff or air traffic controllers are generally treated as extraordinary, since the airline cannot control a third party's industrial action.
✓ The delay or cancellation was caused by the airline's own staff (crew sickness, staff shortages) or aircraft (technical faults)
✓ The disruption was caused by a strike by the airline's own pilots or cabin crew
✓ The airline cites vague "operational reasons" without specific evidence
You likely are NOT eligible if…
✕ The delay was caused by severe weather that genuinely made flying unsafe (not just inconvenient)
✕ Air traffic control imposed restrictions or ground stops beyond the airline's control
✕ A security threat, political instability, or a strike by airport ground staff or air traffic controllers caused the disruption
What you're owed
£ If the cause was within the airline's control: the standard fixed compensation tiers (£220, £350, or £260–£520)
£ If the cause was genuinely extraordinary: no fixed compensation, but you are still entitled to care (meals, hotel if needed) and a refund or re-routing
£ Always ask the airline for the specific reason for the delay in writing — a vague explanation is easier to challenge than a specific, evidenced one
No. Strikes by the airline's own staff (pilots, cabin crew, check-in staff employed by the airline) are generally NOT extraordinary — the airline is expected to manage its own labour relations. Strikes by third parties, such as airport ground handlers or air traffic controllers, generally ARE extraordinary, since the airline has no control over that dispute.
What if the airline rejects my claim citing extraordinary circumstances but gives no evidence?
Challenge it in writing, asking for the specific evidenced reason for the delay. Airlines carry the burden of proving extraordinary circumstances — a generic claim of "weather" or "operational reasons" without specifics is often successfully challenged on appeal or through ADR.
This page sets out the general legal position and is not legal advice. Individual claims can turn
on facts not covered here — FlightLogic does not guarantee any outcome.
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