Travel expert Simon Calder has warned British Airways (BA) and easyJet passengers that they "will not be getting any cash" after thousands of flights were cancelled over the weekend due to severe thunderstorms. Up to 40,000 passengers are believed to have been affected, with Saturday alone seeing more than 900 inbound and outbound flights delayed—some for up to 11 hours—and dozens cancelled. London Heathrow and Gatwick airports were particularly badly impacted, along with South-East England and North-West Europe.
What happened over the weekend?
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, BA cancelled around 100 flights, including an Airbus A380 superjumbo service to and from Los Angeles. EasyJet cancelled 82 flights, including long-haul routes to Hurghada in Egypt and Antalya in Turkey. The cancellations continued into Sunday, with dozens more flights grounded at Heathrow and Gatwick. Calder estimated that 35,000 passengers were stranded on Saturday alone, rising to around 40,000 by the end of the weekend.
What are passengers' rights?
Under UK and EU air passenger rights rules (UK regulation 261/2004), airlines must rebook passengers on the next available flight to their destination, including on rival airlines if necessary. They must also provide hotel accommodation and meals while passengers wait. However, because the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances—severe thunderstorms—passengers are not entitled to cash compensation. Calder stated: "You will not, though, be getting any cash compensation. Good luck, everybody."
Why were so many flights cancelled?
NATS, the UK's air traffic control provider, explained that severe thunderstorms across South-East England and Europe forced aircraft to avoid affected areas and be spaced further apart, limiting the number of flights that could operate safely. In an updated statement on Saturday afternoon, NATS said: "We understand disruption is frustrating, but we're working closely with airlines and airports to reduce disruption as much as possible. Passengers should continue to contact their airline for the latest information on their flight."
Impact and advice
Calder noted that the airports were operating at full capacity, especially on summer Saturdays, leaving "no slack in the system." He advised affected passengers to contact their airline for rebooking and to claim reimbursement for necessary expenses such as meals and hotels. Despite the inconvenience, he stressed that no cash compensation is due under the rules.
