Can I get compensation if my flight is delayed or cancelled? Your rights explained as UK airports plunged in chaos

HUNDREDS of flights have been grounded across the UK following a major ATC failure. Here is everything you need to know if your flight has been delayed or cancelled. UK airports are experiencing delays after a tech outage Credit: Alamy What is happening right now at UK airports? Airports across the UK are experiencing huge delays and cancellations with passengers reporting being stuck parked at gates due to Air Traffic Control outages. It comes after NATS experienced a technical issue just after 1pm today according to multiple sources, halting departures at UK airports. Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! NATS stated: “We have identified that the issue was in our flight processing system. “Our engineers are on site and working urgently to resume normal operations as quickly as possible. Read more on travel inspo “We recognise the ongoing disruption to travel, for which we sincerely apologise. “Flights are still departing and airspace is open, but recovery will take some time. We will provide further updates as soon as possible. “Passengers should check the status of their flight with their airline. We will provide further updates as soon as we have confirmed information, at http://www.nats.aero and on X at @NATS.” Are flights being affected? Flights are being impacted across UK airports London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester. Most read in Travel More than 20 flights have been cancelled at London Heathrow Airport Credit: Alamy More than 50 flights departing London Heathrow have already been cancelled. Manchester Airport has advised passengers to “check the latest status of their flight with their airline” amid the turmoil caused by the air traffic control failure. The airport said it would “Continue to monitor the situation and share further updates as more information becomes available.” At Luton Airport a Ryanair flight to Dublin scheduled to leave at 4.10PM is now estimated to leave at 7PM. And a Jet2 flight to Alicante scheduled to leave at 4.25PM, is now estimated to leave at 6PM. What are my rights if my flight is delayed or cancelled? Airlines have a duty of care they must offer passengers affected by delays or cancellations. The Civil Aviation Authority states: “If your flight is delayed, and UK261 applies to it, your airline must look after you while you are delayed. “This includes providing you with food and drink based on how long your delay is, and accommodation if you are delayed overnight.” If your airline doesn’t provide these and you end up paying for food, a hotel or transport yourself, keep all receipts so you can claim back reasonable expenses later. If your flight is cancelled, they must also offer a refund or an alternative flight, even with another airline. If you accept a refund, they no longer need to offer you any additional forms of care, such as hotels or food vouchers. Can I claim compensation? Airlines are not required to offer any compensation if the situation is deemed “extraordinary circumstances”. This can mean anything out of the airline’s control like extreme weather – or air traffic control failures. As a result, the current NATS technical outage is classed as an “extraordinary circumstance”. In the last major NATS outage in 2023, travellers did not receive compensation. The Civil Aviation Authority revealed that around 700,000 passengers were impacted by the last outage. This included 300,000 people by cancellations, 95,000 by delays of over three hours and a further 300,000 by shorter delays. Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance. Comment now