Under United Kingdom and European Union law, passengers on flights departing from UK or EU airports, or arriving at UK airports via UK or EU airlines, are entitled to specific protections during flight disruptions. If a flight is cancelled, airlines must offer passengers a choice between a full refund or being rebooked on an alternative flight. This requirement applies regardless of how much notice is given once a flight is cancelled.
Airlines are also legally required to provide "duty of care" assistance for delays exceeding two to four hours, depending on the flight distance. This assistance includes food, drink, communication methods, and overnight accommodation with transport if necessary. If an airline is unable to organize these services directly, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) states that passengers may arrange their own and claim reimbursement by providing receipts for reasonable expenses.
Additional financial compensation is only mandatory if a delay or cancellation is deemed the airline's fault. Under UK law, compensation ranges from £220 to £520 per person based on distance for cancellations made with less than two weeks' notice. However, airlines are not required to pay this extra compensation for "extraordinary circumstances" beyond their control, such as bad weather, air traffic control strikes, or regional conflicts.
For travelers who booked package holidays through ABTA-member companies, different protections apply, ensuring either an alternative flight or a full refund for the entire package. Legal experts noted that airlines and standard insurance policies typically do not cover loss of earnings if a traveler is unable to return to work on time due to flight disruptions.