When your flight is cancelled or delayed, the first question most passengers ask is: “Can I claim flight compensation?” Under EU261 and UK261 regulations, airlines are required to pay passengers compensation for significant delays, cancellations, or denied boarding — but only when the airline is at fault.
That’s where the distinction between technical problems and extraordinary circumstances becomes crucial.
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What Are Extraordinary Circumstances For Flight Delays and Cancellations?
Extraordinary circumstances are events beyond the airline’s control — even if they result in cancellations or long delays.
These can include:
- Extreme weather conditions (fog, snowstorms)
- Natural disasters
- Air traffic control restrictions or strikes
- Bird strikes
- Runway closures
- Political unrest
- Security risks
- Pandemics
- Acts of terrorism or sabotage
In these cases, airlines are not required to pay flight compensation, as the disruption wasn’t caused by their actions.
However, they must still offer assistance — such as meals, accommodation, and rebooking options. Yes, you have the right to care even if your flight is disrupted due to an extraordinary circumstance.
Can You Get Flight Compensation for Bad Weather?
Passengers are not entitled to bad weather flight compensation, as such conditions are considered extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control (see above).
Bad weather is not covered under EU261/UK261, as weather-related disruptions fall outside the airline’s responsibility.
If your flight was cancelled due to strong winds or snow, you won’t receive flight compensation, but you’re still entitled to care and a refund.
While you can claim compensation for technical issues, bad weather flight compensation does not apply when disruptions are caused by storms, fog, or other severe weather events.
What Counts as a Technical Problem?
A technical problem refers to a fault or issue within the airline’s control, such as:
- Routine mechanical or maintenance issues
- Wear and tear of aircraft parts
- Delays due to crew shortages after fixing a technical fault
- System or equipment failures caused by poor maintenance
These issues are considered part of the normal operation of an airline — and therefore do not excuse the airline from paying compensation.
Example: If your KLM flight is cancelled because of a mechanical failure discovered during a pre-flight check, you’re entitled to flight cancellation compensation. The airline must also offer you a refund or an alternative flight.
Read more: Flight Cancellation Refund vs Flight Compensation
Airlines Often Misclassify Technical Problems
Airlines often claim that technical problems are “extraordinary circumstances” to avoid paying compensation — but that’s not true in most cases.
Under EU261/UK261, a technical issue is only considered extraordinary if it results from a hidden manufacturing defect or something genuinely beyond the airline’s control. In reality, most technical faults — such as routine maintenance issues or equipment failures — are part of normal airline operations and do not exempt airlines from compensation.
Unfortunately, many passengers believe the airline’s explanation and miss out on money they’re legally entitled to.
Operational Issues and EU Flight Compensation
Besides technical problems, airlines are also required to pay compensation when the disruption is caused by internal operational issues.
This includes situations like strikes by airline employees, staffing shortages, or crew scheduling errors.
These are considered the airline’s responsibility because they result from decisions or management failures within the company — not external forces.
Likewise, maintenance delays or aircraft rotation problems fall under the airline’s control, meaning passengers are entitled to compensation under EU261/UK261.
Why the Difference Matters?
The type of disruption determines whether you can claim compensation or only get a refund.
Airlines sometimes try to label technical issues as “extraordinary circumstances” to avoid payouts — but courts have made it clear that most technical faults are not extraordinary.
If your flight was affected, it’s worth checking the official reason for cancellation in writing. If the cause was within the airline’s control, you can file a compensation claim under EU261 or UK261.
| Category | Description | Examples | Compensation Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical problems | Issues within the airline’s control, often part of normal operations. | – Mechanical or maintenance faults- Worn aircraft parts- Crew or scheduling errors- System or equipment failures | ✅ Compensation due under EU261/UK261. These are not considered extraordinary circumstances. |
| Extraordinary circumstances | Events beyond the airline’s control, even if they cause delays or cancellations. | – Bad weather (storms, snow, fog)- Air traffic control strikes- Bird strikes- Security risks or political unrest | ❌ No compensation, as these are outside the airline’s responsibility. However, passengers are entitled to care, rebooking, or a refund. |
Under EU261/UK261, flight delay extraordinary circumstances include events bad weather, air traffic control restrictions, or security risks that prevent airlines from operating safely. Technical problems are not extraordinary circumstances.
Featured photo by Tom Cattini from Pexels