Does EU261 cover strikes?

That's because under a piece of EU law called EC 261, airlines are required to compensate passengers for flight disruptions that they are responsible for. That includes flight disruptions due to airline staff strikes.



Under EU Regulation 261/2004, your eligibility for compensation during a strike depends entirely on who is striking. In 2026, the law remains clear: internal strikes by airline staff (such as pilots, cabin crew, or check-in agents) are generally considered the airline's responsibility and are not viewed as "extraordinary circumstances." If your flight is delayed by over 3 hours or canceled due to these workers, you are typically entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600 depending on the distance. However, external strikes by air traffic control, airport security, or border agents are considered "extraordinary circumstances" outside the airline's control, and compensation is not required. Regardless of the strike's origin, the airline still maintains a "duty of care" to provide you with meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if you are stranded overnight.

People Also Ask

If a flight delay of more than 3 hours or even a flight cancellation occurs due to a strike, the airline must offer travelers alternative transportation. If the airline does not fulfill this obligation, you can book a substitute transport yourself. You can then charge the airline for the costs incurred.

MORE DETAILS

Fortunately, thanks to a regulation known as EU261, it's possible for passengers on disrupted flights to claim compensation. In fact, you could be entitled to up to €600 per person after a Ryanair flight cancellation compensation or flight delay compensation.

MORE DETAILS

Start by searching your airline's name with EU261.
You'll need to file the claim with the operating airline responsible for the flight delay or cancelation. It can take some time to get a response from an airline, so give it a few weeks to a month or so before following up if you don't get a response.

MORE DETAILS

Examples of extraordinary circumstances Acts of terrorism or sabotage. Security risks. Political or civil unrest. Hidden manufacturing defects (a manufacturer recall that grounds a fleet of aircraft)

MORE DETAILS

While airline staff strikes are within the control of the airline, all other strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances.

MORE DETAILS

Unite the Union announced on Wednesday 9 August that more than 230 employees of Red Handling and Wilson James were set to strike, causing potential issues for ground handling and passenger assistance services.

MORE DETAILS

When an EU261 flight is canceled, you have the same claim for compensation as when a flight is delayed. Similar to flight delay compensation amounts, you are entitled to reimbursement when a EU261-covered flight is canceled of up to 600 euros ($645).

MORE DETAILS

Luckily, there are consumer protections in place if you are flying in, out or within Europe. Through European Union regulation EC 261, commonly referred to as EU 261, all EU flights can qualify for compensation, refund or rerouting by the airline in the event of delay, cancellation or denied boarding.

MORE DETAILS

EU261 therefore continues, for the foreseeable future, to give passengers the same rights that they had previously. This includes rights created by past EU case law (such as the right to compensation for delay created in the controversial Sturgeon case), which will continue to bind lower UK courts.

MORE DETAILS

A Ryanair passenger is entitled to compensation in the event of any of the following: Flight delay: If your Ryanair flight arrived at your destination more than 3 hours later than expected. Flight Cancellation: if you were not informed of the cancellation or informed less than 14 days before departure.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, EU261 still applies to the UK. The regulations were incorporated into UK law in 2018, and they continue to protect the rights of passengers travelling from and to the UK on flights operated by EU and non-EU airlines.

MORE DETAILS

Passengers may be entitled to compensation during strikes. Strikes must not be considered extraordinary circumstances. The airline is responsible for providing assistance during delays.

MORE DETAILS

There are a few exceptions to the rule that you have no way to bring legal action against the airline for canceling your flight. For example, if you are canceled from a flight because it is overbooked and they attempt to delay you without compensating you for the delay, you may have a cause of action for the delay.

MORE DETAILS

When a flight delay occurs, you are entitled to assistance and a choice between rerouting, reimbursement, or rebooking. If you arrive at your destination more than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time, you are entitled to the same reimbursement, rerouting, and rebooking structure as a denied boarding.

MORE DETAILS