What are extraordinary circumstances that stop an airline paying delay compensation?
The short answer
Extraordinary circumstances are disruption caused by things that are not the airline's responsibility. The UK Civil Aviation Authority lists examples such as unsafe weather, strikes unrelated to the airline, terrorism or sabotage, security risks, political unrest and hidden manufacturing defects. Ordinary technical faults are generally not extraordinary.
What the CAA says
The CAA says UK law uses the term extraordinary circumstances for disruption caused by things that are not the responsibility of the airline. It also notes that the Regulation does not define the term. If an airline says extraordinary circumstances apply, the CAA says it will need to clearly set out why.
Examples the CAA lists as likely extraordinary
These are the examples the CAA gives.
- Weather conditions incompatible with the safe operation of the flight.
- Strikes unrelated to the airline, such as by airport staff, ground handlers, air traffic control or border force.
- Acts of terrorism or sabotage.
- Security risks.
- Political or civil unrest.
- Hidden manufacturing defects, such as a manufacturer recall that grounds a fleet of aircraft.
Technical faults
The CAA refers to court rulings. In Jet2 v Huzar (English Court of Appeal, 2014) it says technical problems were held not to be an extraordinary circumstance. In KLM v van der Lans (European Court, 2015) technical problems were again found not extraordinary, with two possible exceptions: a hidden manufacturing defect and damage from sabotage or terrorism.
Differing official summaries
The GOV.UK air passenger guide gives a shorter list of examples, including bad weather, natural disasters, air traffic control decisions, bird strikes and political instability. The CAA's own list is different and says the technical fault position is narrow. Because the official wording differs and each case is assessed on its facts, treat any list as a guide, not a guarantee either way.
Care is still owed
The CAA says care and assistance applies regardless of the cause of the delay, so meals and accommodation can still be owed when compensation is not. Rules differ for US and EU flights, and rules and fees change, so check the official page for your situation.
Sources: UK Civil Aviation Authority: Am I entitled to compensation?, UK Civil Aviation Authority: flight delays, GOV.UK: Air passenger travel guide, summary of passenger rights. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is bad weather always extraordinary?
The CAA lists weather incompatible with the safe operation of the flight, so ordinary weather that does not make the flight unsafe is not covered by that example.
Is a crew shortage extraordinary?
The CAA delays page and entitlement page we read do not list crew shortages as extraordinary.
Does an airline strike count?
The CAA lists strikes unrelated to the airline, such as airport staff or air traffic control strikes. It does not list the airline's own staff strikes in the examples we read.
Are bird strikes extraordinary?
GOV.UK lists bird strikes as an example. The CAA entitlement page we read does not list them, so the official sources differ.
What can I do if I disagree?
The CAA says airlines have eight weeks to respond, after which you can go to an ADR provider if the airline uses one, or to the CAA's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team.