When your KLM flight is delayed or cancelled, the first thing most passengers want to know is whether they’re entitled to compensation under EU261 or UK261. But when the disruption is caused by a strike, the rules get a bit more complicated — because not all strikes are treated the same under the law. For example, an air traffic control strikes are very different from strikes by the airline’s own staff.
In this article, we’ll explain the different types of strikes and how each one can affect your right to UK or EU flight compensation.
Check your compensation online.
Understanding UK/EU Flight Compensation Rules
Under EU261/UK261, passengers are entitled to compensation when their flight is cancelled, delayed for more than three hours, or overbooked, as long as the disruption was within the airline’s control.
However, when a strike causes the disruption, it might fall under “extraordinary circumstances” — situations that the airline cannot prevent or manage.
These extraordinary circumstances release the airline from paying compensation.
Which Strikes Count as “Extraordinary Circumstances”?
A strike by airport staff or air traffic control (ATC) is considered extraordinary because those workers don’t work for the airline.
Their actions are beyond the airline’s control.
Examples include:
- Air traffic control strikes, where flights are grounded for safety reasons.
- Airport staff strikes, such as baggage handlers, security officers, or ground services walking out.
In these cases, you cannot claim compensation, because the airline isn’t at fault.
That said, airlines still have obligations under the right to care — meaning they must provide meals, refreshments, accommodation, and rebooking options (or a refund) if your flight is disrupted.
When EU Flight Compensation Is Due?
When your flight is disrupted by a strike, your right to compensation depends entirely on who is striking. Because not all strikes are considered extraordinary.
If the strike involves the airline’s own staff — like pilots, cabin crew, or airline ground workers — then the situation is within the airline’s control.
Courts have ruled that airline employee strikes do not count as extraordinary circumstances, since airlines are responsible for managing labor relations with their staff.
That means if your flight is disrupted because KLM pilots or cabin crew go on strike, you’re entitled to compensation under EU261/UK261, in addition to care and refund rights.
Read more: KLM Strike Compensation
Check your compensation online.
How to Tell Who’s on Strike?
It’s not always clear who’s striking — and airlines may not volunteer the details.
If you’re unsure, here’s what to do:
- Ask for confirmation in writing from the airline — was it an ATC, airport, or airline staff strike?
- Check local news — air traffic control and airport staff strikes are usually well reported.
- Challenge the airline — if it was their own staff, you can insist on your right to compensation.
| Type of Strike | Who’s Involved | Compensation? | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Control Strikes | ATC employees | ❌ No | Outside the airline’s control |
| Airport Staff Strike | Baggage handlers, security, ground crew | ❌ No | Third-party strike (extraordinary circumstance) |
| Airline Staff Strike | Pilots, cabin crew, airline ground staff | ✅ Yes | Airline is responsible for its own employees |
When your flight is disrupted by a strike, your right to compensation depends entirely on who is striking. If it’s a third-party strike (like airport or air traffic control), you won’t receive compensation, whereas airline staff strikes do qualify for compensation.