Flight cancelled by a strike? Your rights
If your flight was cancelled or arrived at least 3 hours late because of a strike, your right to compensation depends on who went on strike.
Strike by the airline's own staff
If the airline's own staff went on strike, you may be entitled to €250–€600 per passenger under EU261, because the EU Court of Justice has ruled that such a strike is normally not an extraordinary circumstance.
Strike by air traffic control or airport staff
If, for example, air traffic controllers or airport staff went on strike, it can count as an extraordinary circumstance, but your right to meals, a hotel if needed and rebooking or a refund still applies.
FAQ
Can I be entitled to compensation if the airline's own staff go on strike?
Yes. In 2021 the EU Court of Justice ruled (case C-28/20) that a strike by SAS pilots over pay and working conditions was not an extraordinary circumstance. In 2018 (case C-195/17) the Court reached the same conclusion for a spontaneous strike by TUIfly staff after a restructuring announcement.
What if air traffic controllers or airport staff go on strike?
A strike that is external to the airline's activity, for example by air traffic controllers or airport staff, can count as an extraordinary circumstance according to the EU Court of Justice (case C-28/20). The airline must still be able to show that the disruption could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
How much can I get if my flight was affected by a strike?
If the strike does not count as an extraordinary circumstance, you may be entitled to €250, €400 or €600 per passenger under EU261, depending on the flight distance. For flights departing from the UK, UK261 amounts of £220, £350 or £520 apply.
Am I entitled to meals, a hotel and rebooking during a strike?
Yes. The right to meals, refreshments, a hotel if needed and rebooking or a refund applies regardless of who went on strike.
What if my flight was cancelled more than two weeks before departure?
If you were told about the cancellation at least two weeks before departure, you are not entitled to standard compensation, but you can choose rebooking or a refund of your ticket.