Has your flight ever been delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather? If it has, chances are that these delays or cancellations cause a lot of hassle and can affect your plans. However, unlike a host of other situations in which airlines can be held responsible for delays, the situation with inclement weather is different.
Typically, an airline can only be held responsible for delays or cancellations where it has control over the situation. However, changes in weather patterns are usually out of an airline’s control, as a result of which they cannot be held liable for delays due to such weather patterns. This exception is laid out in Article 5 III of EC Regulation 261/2004.
However, whether you can claim compensation also depends on your situation. If, for instance, an airline fails to ensure they have enough de-icer before the onset of winter, further leading to delays and cancellations, they can be held liable to compensate passengers.
Let us check your situation for free. Was your flight delayed or cancelled due to bad weather?
Passenger Rights in Case of a Flight Delay or Cancellation Due to the Weather
Any airline passenger taking off from an EU airport or landing in an EU airport on an EU airline is protected by the regulations laid out under EU 261. These protections are part of broader EU regulations that support travelers in obtaining compensation for flight disruptions. The regulation was designed to compensate passengers for any delays or cancellations caused as a result of the airline’s negligence. Similar rights may also apply under UK law, which sets out obligations for airlines regarding passenger care, assistance, and reimbursement.
However, some delays or cancellations that occur due to changes in weather conditions are considered “extraordinary circumstances.” A flight cancelled due to bad weather that’s not in the airline’s control exempts airlines from having to compensate passengers, meaning passengers are not legally entitled to compensation in these cases. Some examples of such weather conditions include a storm or even an ash cloud.
Most Common Weather-Related Issues When Flying
Weather-related issues often result in flights getting disrupted by way of delays or cancellations, including various weather issues such as storms, fog, and other meteorological conditions. Some of the most common reasons for a flight cancelled due to weather are mentioned below. Keep in mind that this list isn’t exhaustive.
- Thunderstorms
- Strong winds
- Storms
- Snowfall
- Heavy rain
- Fog, leading to low visibility
- Cyclones
- De-icing when taking off or landing
- Aircraft struck by lighting
- Other natural disasters and weather changes.
Decisions made by air traffic control during adverse weather can also result in delays or cancellations, as they may limit the number of flights or close airports for safety reasons.
According to most airlines, bad weather is the primary reason for most delays and cancellations. Passengers are typically eligible to claim compensation if there is a delay in their flight and their final arrival time is beyond three hours from the scheduled time. However, this liability is negated in the event of severe weather conditions, as these are beyond the airline’s control.
The keyword here is “severe,” as airlines often misuse the word to avoid compensating their passengers for disruptions in their flight schedule. However, the weather conditions mentioned above are considered extraordinary, as a result of which airlines are exempt from compensating passengers.
When Are You Entitled to Compensation?
In the event of extraordinary changes in weather patterns, the only situation in which you could avail of compensation is if the airline could have taken steps to prevent the problem, but failed to do so.
However, as mentioned earlier, airlines sometimes cite “bad weather” as a reason to avoid compensating their passengers. This tends to become apparent when you notice only your flight delayed due to weather, while others continue to operate as per schedule. In these situations, you may be able to claim compensation if it can be shown that the airline did not fulfill its obligations under EU or UK law.
The key detail to note is that while an airline might cite flight delays due to weather, this doesn’t exempt them from compensating their passengers. According to a ruling by the ECJ on 11 June 2020 (Case C-74/19), the airline must prove that it took every possible measure to re-route its passengers at the earliest opportunity, including booking them on the next available flight.
They must also prove that it wasn’t possible to rebook their passengers on a faster connection. These rebookings include both direct and indirect connections, and may involve offering a replacement flight as an alternative to a refund. If necessary, the airline should also consider booking an alternative flight with an alternative airline to minimize delays and ensure passengers reach their destination as soon as possible.
An airline must also take into account the possibility that another means of transport (a bus, train, or a taxi) could get the passenger to their destination faster. In such cases, alternative transport options should be offered to provide the best possible solution for the traveler.
Aside from bad weather conditions, another reason airlines commonly invoke to cancel flights is the absence of de-icing fluid in their flights. However, as a passenger, you must know that an airline is liable to compensate you if the delay caused due to the bad weather is the result of the lack of de-icing fluid.
This is because it’s an airline’s responsibility to ensure their flights have the necessary fluid to deal with negative temperatures. Additionally, you can claim compensation since the company or airline should have anticipated the problem in the first place. In these circumstances, airlines are responsible for paying compensation to affected passengers.
Compensation for Flight Delay or Cancellation Due to Weather
When dealing with flight cancellations or delays due to weather, EU 261 entitles passengers to compensation based on the flight distance.
- If the flight was scheduled to travel a distance of less than 1500 kilometres, you’re entitled to €250 for a delayed, overbooked, or cancelled flight.
- If the journey of the flight was between 1500 and 3500 kilometres, passengers are entitled to a compensation of €400 for a flight that’s delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
- If the flight’s distance is greater than 3500 kilometres, passengers are entitled to a compensation of €600 for a delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flight.
By the way, in many European countries, passengers can claim compensation for eligible flight disruptions caused by preventable airline failures up to 5 years after the incident. This extended timeframe allows travelers to revisit previous delays or cancellations and claim what they are owed. If your return flight, other flights within the same booking, or your original flight are affected, you may be entitled to compensation for all disrupted segments.
In the event of a flight disruption you may be entitled to compensation if your delayed or cancelled flight results in you reaching your destination more than three hours after the scheduled time. The eligibility is determined by the time your flight arrives at the final destination.
The table below details these values based on their criteria in terms of distance.
| Short distance – up to 1500 km | Medium distance – up to 3500 km | Long distance – more than 3500 km |
| €250 | €400 | €600 |
Other Rights If Your Flight Was Affected by Bad Weather
Regardless of whether the reason for your flight’s delay or cancellation is deemed to be an extraordinary circumstance caused due to bad weather, passengers are entitled to certain benefits while they wait at the airport. Airlines have an obligation to provide care and assistance, which includes essentials like food, accommodation, and rebooking, regardless of the cause of the disruption. Many airlines routinely offer these services to ensure passenger comfort during delays and cancellations.
The rights and benefits available to you depend on the distance of your flight. The table below mentions the details of these benefits based on the amount of delay in the flight’s departure.
| Flight Distance | Delay | Entitlements |
| Flights up to 1500 km | 2 or more hours late | Snacks & drinks as well as 2 phone calls or 2 emails. |
| Flights between 1500 – 3500 km | 3 or more hours late | Snacks & drinks as well as 2 phone calls or 2 emails. |
| Flights over 3500 km | 4 or more hours late | Snacks & drinks as well as 2 phone calls or 2 emails. |
| All flights | Minimum 5 hours late | Passengers can withdraw from the flight. Airlines are mandated to reimburse them or find alternative transportation. |
| All flights | Flights postponed to the next day | Airlines must provide accommodation in a hotel, as well as transport to and from the hotel and the airport. |
Which Flights Are Covered by EU261
EU 261 applies to all passengers on flights within Europe, along with flights departing from a European airport, or landing in a European airport via a European airline.
| Itinerary | EU air carrier | Non-EU air carrier |
| From inside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
How To Get Compensation
Not all extraordinary circumstances automatically exempt the airline from paying compensation. According to Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, the carrier is obliged to prove that it has done everything possible to avoid the delay or cancellation of the flight. Our experts will help passengers get compensation even in difficult cases involving weather conditions.
Follow these simple steps to apply for compensation:
- Fill out our form – we will find out the details of your flight and determine whether the airline had a real chance to prevent the delay or cancellation. Even if it refers to force majeure, this does not mean anything.
- We analyze the case in depth – our experts check what actions were or were not taken by the carrier. If it turns out that the airline could have avoided the problem or failed to prove otherwise, we seek compensation. If necessary, through the courts.
Generally, no – if the flight was canceled because of severe weather that was beyond the airline’s control, it falls under what’s known as “extraordinary circumstances.” In such cases, airlines are not legally required to pay compensation under EU261. However, if the disruption was preventable – for example, if the airline failed to de-ice the aircraft in time or did not take reasonable steps to mitigate the impact of the weather – you may still be entitled to compensation. Each situation must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, blizzards, severe storms, volcanic ash clouds, and even heavy fog are typically categorized as extraordinary circumstances. The key factor is whether the weather event was truly beyond the airline’s ability to manage or predict. If the disruption affects a wide number of flights across multiple airlines, it’s more likely to be classified as extraordinary and exempt from compensation. However, mild weather disruptions or isolated cancellations must be carefully scrutinized – especially if only your flight was affected.
If you missed a connecting flight because of a delay caused by bad weather, the airline still has obligations to you. While they might not owe financial compensation, they must provide care such as rebooking you on the next available flight, offering meals and drinks if the delay is extended, and arranging hotel accommodation if necessary. You’re also entitled to a refund if you decide not to proceed with the journey. The compensation itself depends on whether the weather was truly extraordinary and if the airline could have prevented the missed connection by acting more quickly.
Yes. Even if the delay is due to weather and considered an extraordinary circumstance, EU261 requires the airline to provide passengers with care. That includes meals and refreshments, access to communication, hotel accommodation for overnight delays, and transportation between the hotel and airport. These rights apply regardless of whether you’re entitled to financial compensation. Airlines must take care of stranded passengers while they wait for rebooking or further instructions.
To challenge an airline’s claim of “bad weather,” start by comparing your flight with others at the same airport and time. If flights from other airlines were departing as scheduled while yours was delayed or canceled, that’s a red flag. You can also request documentation from the airline showing the exact cause of disruption. Additionally, weather records and air traffic control data can help determine whether the conditions truly justified a delay. If the airline cannot prove it took all reasonable measures to minimize the impact – such as offering alternative flights – you may have a valid case for compensation.