Extraordinary circumstances in air travel refer to unexpected events that can affect flights.
These events include severe weather like storms or heavy snow, natural disasters, security threats, air traffic control problems, and other issues beyond the airline’s control. Despite these being outside the airline’s control, passengers have specific rights: for instance, the right to care in case of flight delay or cancellation, and the right to either a new flight or refund if the flight gets canceled.
Continue reading to discover more about your rights in extraordinary circumstances.
Extraordinary Circumstances Definition
Extraordinary circumstances in air travel are unexpected events that can impact flights and are out of the airline’s control. Examples include severe weather, natural disasters, security issues, air traffic control issues (including strikes), or other events beyond the airline’s control.
In such situations, airlines are not required to provide compensation to passengers for flight delays and cancellations, according to EU Regulation 261/2004. More information below.
Remember, aircraft technical issues are not considered extraordinary circumstances, regardless of what the airline may say.
Extraordinary Circumstances – Examples
When it comes to air travel, extraordinary circumstances are unforeseen events can often disrupt flight schedules, leading to flight delays and cancellations.
What are the extraordinary circumstances for flight delays and cancellations?
Here are some common examples:
- Natural disasters: Events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or flooding can significantly impact airport operations and flight schedules.
- Bad weather: Severe weather conditions, such as storms, heavy snow, or fog, can make it unsafe for flights to operate.
- Terrorism threats: Terrorism threats that may pose a risk to passengers or crews can lead to flight delays or cancellations.
- Security issues at the airport: Problems such as bomb threats or other security concerns can disrupt normal operations and lead to delays.
- Air traffic control restrictions: If air traffic control is unusually busy or restricted, it can cause hold-ups in flight departures and arrivals.
- Airport staff strikes: Strikes by airport staff affecting operations may lead to delays or flight cancellations. Keep in mind that only strikes by airport staff are extraordinary circumstances. Airline staff strikes are not.
If your flight is delayed or canceled due to extraordinary circumstances, Vueling will not provide compensation. However, this doesn’t mean you have no rights. Find more information below.
Can You Get Compensation if Your Flight Is Delayed Due to Extraordinary Circumstances?
No, airlines usually do not have to provide flight delay compensation when your flight is delayed due to extraordinary circumstances, such as bad weather or natural disasters. The same goes for flight cancellations.
While airlines are obligated to explain why a delay has occurred, compensation is only available for delays that are within the airline’s control, i.e., technical problems, staffing issues, airline staff strikes and so on.
Can You Get Compensation if Your Flight Is Cancelled Due to Extraordinary Circumstances?
No, airlines typically do not provide flight cancellation compensation if your flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.
Similar to delays, cancellations caused by events outside the airline’s control—such as severe weather, natural disasters, or security threats—do not qualify for compensation under European regulation (EU Regulation 261/2004).
Do You Have a Right to Care if Your Flight Is Delayed Due to Extraordinary Circumstances?
Yes, even if your flight is delayed because of extraordinary circumstances, you have a right to care. The same goes for flight cancellations.
If you find yourself stuck at the airport due to a delay of three hours or more, or last-minute flight cancellation, the airline must assist to make your wait easier.
This includes offering free meals and drinks.
Furthermore, you are allowed two free phone calls, emails, or faxes to stay in touch with loved ones or modify your travel plans.
If the delay goes beyond overnight, the airline is also responsible for providing accommodation and transport to and from the airport.
Cancelled Flight Refund and Extraordinary Circumstances
Yes, you can get a full refund if your flight is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.
You have the option to select either a new flight or a refund, irrespective of whether the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are protected and have rights when their flights are cancelled, even in cases of extraordinary circumstances.
What Are Not Considered Extraordinary Circumstances?
Not all disruptions in air travel qualify as extraordinary circumstances.
For example, technical problems with an aircraft are typically not considered extraordinary, as these issues fall under the airline’s control and responsibility for maintenance.
Additionally, not all strikes impact air travel in the same manner; Vueling staff strikes, for instance, are not considered extraordinary circumstances.
In these situations, passengers may receive compensation.
Do you have more questions about extraordinary circumstances in air travel? Ask in the comments.
Featured photo by Johannes Plenio from Pexels