As the Gulf crisis continues, the EU Energy Commissioner, Dan Jorgensen, has warned that many people's holidays may be affected by flight cancellations or very expensive tickets. However, the UK government states that British airlines are not currently experiencing a jet fuel shortage. A spokesperson said: 'We are continuing to work with fuel suppliers, airlines and international counterparts to keep flights operating, as well as planning for a range of contingencies.'
If your flight is cancelled or heavily delayed, it is crucial to understand your passenger rights. Flights from UK and EU airports (as well as those in the wider European Economic Area) are subject to European rules designed to ensure airlines treat passengers fairly. These rules specify the care and compensation you can expect when your plane is cancelled or significantly delayed. They also apply to flights on EU and British airlines departing from outside the European Union and the UK.
What to Expect If Your Flight Is Delayed
For delays under two hours, you have no specific rights unless a short delay causes you to miss a connection and arrive much later at your final destination. For longer delays, the airline must provide refreshments after a certain time, regardless of the cause. The duty of care kicks in after two hours for short flights (up to 1,500km), three hours for mid-haul journeys (1,500 to 3,500km), and four hours for longer trips. If the delay extends overnight, the airline must find and pay for a hotel room. In practice, carriers may ask you to book your own and reclaim later, which does not fully comply with the rules but is often tolerated by aviation authorities.
What Happens If Your Flight Is Cancelled
Under air passengers' rights rules, travellers whose flights depart from the UK or EU, or are on British or European airlines from anywhere in the world, have strong rights. You are entitled to be flown to your destination as close to the original schedule as possible, on any airline with available seats, and to receive meals and hotels if there is a significant delay. If you are informed of a cancellation less than two weeks ahead and the airline cannot find an alternative close to the original timing, you should be entitled to cash compensation between £220 and £520. However, carriers may argue that the aviation fuel situation constitutes 'extraordinary circumstances' due to political instability, and refuse a payout.
How to Qualify for Cash Compensation
If you are flying from a UK/EU airport or on a British/European airline and your flight is cancelled or you are delayed by at least three hours, you are likely owed compensation. The amount depends on distance: £220 for flights under 1,500km (e.g., London to Barcelona), £350 for 1,500-3,500km (e.g., Manchester to Lisbon), and £520 for over 3,500km (e.g., Birmingham to Dubai). For long-haul arrival delays between three and four hours, compensation is halved. The airline can avoid paying only by proving 'extraordinary circumstances' were responsible.
What Are 'Extraordinary Circumstances'?
The rules define these as 'political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes.' Court cases have excluded technical problems, meaning mechanical failures are not extraordinary. Official strikes by airline staff are within the carrier's control, but 'wildcat' walkouts not sanctioned by a union are not. Crew sickness remains a grey area.
How to Claim Compensation
Each airline should provide an online claim form, though these can be hard to find. For major airlines, you can use the following links: British Airways (raise a new case), EasyJet, Ryanair (under 'Cancelled, Delayed and Rescheduled Flights'), and Wizz Air. Compensation must be paid by bank transfer or cheque, unless you agree to vouchers. Some airlines offer a 30% uplift for vouchers valid for a year, but most do not, so insist on cash.
Can You Cancel and Get a Refund?
If your flight is delayed by at least five hours and you decide not to travel, you are entitled to a refund within seven days.
Flights from Outside the UK or EU
If you are on a UK or EU airline, you have full rights. On any other airline, you have none, though reputable carriers may provide meals and accommodation. Travel insurance may help with expenses.
What If Your Claim Is Turned Down?
You can try alternative dispute resolution, but The Independent has reservations about some decisions. Writing a Letter Before Action, warning you will go to Money Claim Online, is worth trying. For a £350 claim, the fee is £50, refunded if you win. Since Brexit, UK citizens no longer have access to the European Small Claims Procedure, so for EU-originating flights, consider a claims handler like AirHelp, which keeps 35-50% of any payout.
Missed a Tight Connection?
If you arrive at your final destination three or more hours late due to the airline's fault, you are still eligible for compensation. For example, a delayed departure causing a missed connection and late arrival can lead to a payout.
Is Travel Insurance Relevant?
Generally not, except for non-UK/EU airlines flying from outside Europe. Insurers rightly say airlines are responsible for care and alternative transport. Some policies pay a token amount for long delays.
This article is kept updated with the latest advice.
