What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Here is a story making headlines in the economy: What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Image source, via Getty ImagesPublished31 May 2022Updated 9 September 2026Thousands of air passengers have seen their travel plans disrupted after an air traffic control problem grounded nearly 2,000 flights across the UK. When a flight is cancelled or delayed, passengers affected have various rights – such as a refund or be put on another flight.

However, these can vary depending on which carrier you are flying with and from where. Only when an airline is at fault - not issues such as air traffic control problems - is extra compensation payable. Here's what it means for you.

Economic Details

What do airlines have to offer passengers? When flights are delayed or cancelled, UK and EU airlines, and other carriers when you are departing a UK or EU airport, have a duty to look after you. The reason for the delay or cancellation does not matter.

So anyone affected by the air transport delays will be eligible. That includes providing meals and accommodation, if necessary, and getting you to your destination. The airline should organise putting you on an alternative flight, at no extra cost.

Additional losses, such as unused accommodation, might require a claim to a credit card provider, if that was the payment option used. After that, a claim may need to go to your travel insurance provider. But there is no standard definition of what is covered.

Analyst Views

It may require a close look at the details of the policy to see what is covered, and in which circumstances. Passengers are also being urged to heed travel advice from the UK government, external, as this can also affect travel insurance rights. If my flight is cancelled, can I get a refund or another flight?

If your flight is covered by UK law, your airline must let you choose between either getting a refund or being booked on to an alternative flight. That's regardless of how far in advance the cancellation was made. You can get your money back for any part of the ticket you have not used.

So, if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. If you still want to travel, your airline must find you an alternative flight. If another airline is flying to your destination significantly sooner, or there are other suitable modes of transport, then you have a right to be booked on to that alternative transport instead.

Economists are analysing what the news means for the markets.