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Extraordinary Circumstances: When Airlines Do Not Pay
Airlines do not have to pay delay or cancellation compensation if the cause was extraordinary circumstances, for example extreme weather or airport or air traffic control strikes. Your rights to care, a refund or re-routing still apply. If the airline says the cause was extraordinary and you disagree, ask for its reasons in writing and take it to its ADR scheme.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Extraordinary Circumstances
Extraordinary Circumstances
No compensation is due if the cause was extraordinary circumstances, for example extreme weather or airport or air traffic control strikes. Your rights to care, a refund or re-routing still apply. source
What You Still Get
Care and Assistance
Care and assistance for long delays, whatever the cause: once the delay reaches 2 hours (under 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500 to 3,500 km) or 4 hours (over 3,500 km) you should get food and drink suited to the wait, two phone calls or emails, and a hotel and transport if the delay is overnight. source
Refund or Re-Routing
Cancellations: you can choose a refund for all unused parts of the ticket (for example the return leg) or to be re-routed at no extra cost, at a time that suits you. Care and assistance also applies until you are flown, whatever the cause. source
Compensation for Long Delays
Delays: you may get compensation if you arrive more than 3 hours late at your destination airport. The amount is fixed and does not depend on the price you paid: £220 under 1,500 km, £350 for 1,500 to 3,500 km, and over 3,500 km £260 if 3 to 4 hours late or £520 if more than 4 hours late. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 2 to 4 hoursCare and assistance for a delayFrom 2 hours (under 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500 to 3,500 km) or 4 hours (over 3,500 km)
- 8 weeksAirline should reply to your complaintWithin 8 weeks, then you can escalate to ADR or the CAA
- 6 yearsLegal claim for compensationGenerally 6 years in England and Wales, 5 years in Scotland (the CAA page does not state a limit, so check before you wait)
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask the airline in writing what caused the delay or cancellation.
Step 2 of 5
If it says extraordinary circumstances, ask it to explain why the cause was outside its control. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
Claim your care costs (meals, drinks, hotel) with receipts, even if no compensation is due.
Step 4 of 5
If you disagree with the airline’s answer, or it does not reply within 8 weeks, take it to its ADR scheme.
Step 5 of 5
If the airline is not in an ADR scheme, contact the Civil Aviation Authority.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Airline's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provider
You are unhappy with the airline's final response, or it has taken more than 8 weeks to reply, and the airline belongs to an ADR scheme.
Civil Aviation Authority: Passenger Advice and Complaints Team
The airline is not in an ADR scheme, after you have complained to the airline first.
Small Claims Court
The airline refuses and you want to claim the fixed compensation. Check the time limit first.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Use our free Flight Delay Checker to see what you could be owed.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/delays-and-cancellations/cancellations Checked 12 October 2026
- caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/delays-and-cancellations/delays Checked 12 October 2026
- caa.co.uk/passengers/resolving-travel-problems/how-to-claim-compensation Checked 12 October 2026
- gov.uk/make-a-court-claim-for-money Checked 8 October 2026