UK Flight Delays and Cancellations: Your Legal Rights and Entitlements Explained, What You Need To Know

Published on July 13, 2025

Airports all around the UK have been preparing for a year of chaos, with an estimated 31.6 million Brits facing cancellations or delays in 2018, new figures show. As a passenger, it’s important to know your rights in the event of a disruption, particularly what type of compensation and assistance may be available. We teamed up with Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, and delved into what UK passengers can expect in these situations.

Your Rights in Case of Cancellations: When It’s the Airline’s Fault

If you are scheduled to fly from a UK airport and your flight is cancelled, the airline may owe you compensation. This is particularly the case if the cancellation is due to reasons within the airline’s control, such as operational issues, crew shortages, or technical problems with the aircraft. Passengers are entitled to a refund of their ticket or alternative transportation. This might mean booking you onto the next available flight at no extra cost.

Compensation for cancellations varies depending on the flight distance, with payouts ranging from £220 to £520. This compensation must be provided within 14 days of the scheduled departure date. For short-haul flights, compensation generally amounts to £220, whereas longer flights can result in a higher compensation amount, especially if the delay in reaching your final destination is significant.

Delayed Flights: What to Expect When It’s the Airline’s Fault

If your flight departs late, and the delay is caused by the airline, you are entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed by more than three hours. The compensation can range between £220 and £520, again depending on the flight’s distance and the length of the delay. For example, a delay exceeding three hours on a short-haul flight entitles the passenger to the lowest amount of £220, while longer flights will receive higher compensation.

Additionally, passengers are entitled to receive care and assistance if the delay lasts for two or more hours, particularly for short-haul flights. The assistance may include meal vouchers, phone calls, or even overnight accommodation if the delay extends into the night.

Extraordinary Circumstances: When It’s Not the Airline’s Fault

Airline passengers may find themselves in a frustrating position if their flight is delayed or cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control. For instance, delays caused by air traffic control (ATC) issues, such as strikes or staffing shortages, severe weather, or other “extraordinary circumstances” fall under a different legal framework. In these cases, passengers are not entitled to compensation under UK or EU law.

However, this does not mean the airline has no obligations. Passengers will still receive the necessary care and assistance during such disruptions. For example, the airline may offer to rebook you onto an alternative flight, but compensation is not typically required.

Steps to Take When Your Flight is Delayed or Cancelled

If you are faced with a flight delay or cancellation, it is crucial to stay informed about the status of your flight and the cause of the disruption. Here are the steps you should follow to ensure you get the support and compensation you are entitled to:

1. Stay informed: Keep track of your flight status by checking for updates from your airline or through official airport channels.
2. Contact the airline: Reach out to the airline’s customer service for clarification on the reason for the disruption and inquire about available options, such as rebooking or compensation.
3. Check your travel insurance: Verify whether your travel insurance policy covers costs incurred due to cancellations or delays.
4. Keep receipts: If you have to pay for meals, accommodation, or transport due to the delay or cancellation, keep all receipts. The airline may reimburse you for these costs.
5. Consult with your travel agent: If your flight is cancelled, your travel agent may assist with rebooking your travel or providing a full refund.

What You Should Know About Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can be a valuable safety net if you encounter a delay or cancellation. While it won’t cover every type of travel disruption, it may provide financial protection for certain travel-related expenses, including meals, accommodations, and missed connections. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to determine which scenarios are covered.

Final Thoughts: Ensuring Your Rights Are Protected

There is nothing more frustrating than flight cancellations or delays, but as a passenger you do have rights. Keeping informed, contacting your airline for help, and documenting the cost of the strife will help you to minimize the expense of these troubles. Additionally, by knowing when you are eligible for workers compensation, you can get the assistance and monetary compensation you need. The UK and EU protection laws are put in place to protect passengers, but it’s important to know your rights when it comes to delays, cancellations, etc.You can sometimes receive hundred in compensation for an inconvenience.

For the latest on flight delays, cancellations and what you’re owed, check the government websites such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority or the European Commission’s dedicated aviation page for updates on travel rules and passenger rights.