Extraordinary circumstances
Under EU and UK flight rules, extraordinary circumstances are events outside an airline's control that excuse it from paying delay or cancellation compensation.
Also called: extraordinary circumstances defense, EU261 extraordinary circumstances, airline extraordinary circumstances
Under EU and UK flight rules, extraordinary circumstances are events outside an airline's control that excuse it from paying delay or cancellation compensation.
What it means
Extraordinary circumstances is a defense airlines use under EU and UK passenger rights law. An airline that proves a cancellation or long delay came from events beyond its control, and that it could not have avoided them even with all reasonable measures, does not owe the fixed cash compensation. It must still offer care and a refund or rerouting.
The EU regulation's preamble gives examples: political instability, weather incompatible with the flight, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and some strikes. The European Commission says air traffic management decisions can count, but most technical problems found during maintenance, a boarding stairs collision and strikes by the airline's own staff do not.
A new EU regulation, 2026/2202, will add a non-exhaustive list of extraordinary circumstances and require a direct link between the event and the disruption. It applies from 23 October 2027. In the US, the DOT refund rule applies to a cancelled flight whatever the reason.
What it means for you
When an airline rejects an EU or UK claim by citing weather, a strike or air traffic control, do not stop there. It has to prove the event caused your delay and that it took every reasonable step to avoid it. Ask which event it relies on and for details, such as a weather report or strike notice. Keep your boarding pass and the airline's messages. If the airline still refuses, you can escalate to the national enforcement body in the EU country involved, or follow the CAA's steps in the UK.
Example
Say a severe storm closes the airport for hours and your flight lands four hours late. The airline can argue that weather is an extraordinary circumstance and decline the compensation. Say instead the delay came from a routine mechanical fault found at the gate. The Commission lists most technical problems as not extraordinary, so the airline has a harder time using the defense. In both cases it should still look after you with meals and, if needed, a hotel.
FAQ
Not automatically. The EU regulation lists weather incompatible with the flight as an example. The airline must still show that the weather caused your delay and that it took all reasonable measures.
It depends on whose strike it is. The European Commission says strikes by the airline's own staff generally are not extraordinary. A strike outside the airline, such as one by airport or air traffic staff, may be, if the airline proves its effect on your flight.
Related terms
- Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, original text (EUR-Lex)
- European Commission, Your Europe: Air passenger rights
- Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 amending Regulation 261/2004 (EUR-Lex)
- UK Civil Aviation Authority, Am I entitled to compensation?
Updated Oct 18, 2026. Plain-English definitions for general information — not legal or tax advice.