Your rights, compensation and what to do if your flight is cancelled | UK | News

The Iran war has thrown the summer travel season into uncertainty; Jet fuel supplies have been disrupted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and airlines have privately warned the government that flight disruptions and fare increases may be inevitable if the situation does not improve.

A document seen by ITV News and submitted to ministers and the Civil Aviation Authority warned airlines would be forced to reduce services and raise prices if the disruption “continues or worsens”. Fuel costs for passengers on flights within the EU have already increased by roughly £25 per person; A flight from Barcelona to Berlin now costs airlines around £22 more per passenger in fuel alone.

Since cancellations and tariff changes are already affecting some carriers this summer, here’s everything you need to know about your rights, your entitlements, and how to claim them.

What is the reason for flight cancellations in summer 2025?

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes, has disrupted jet fuel supplies and increased costs for airlines operating in Europe and beyond. Carriers have already made some cancellations and schedule changes, and the industry has officially asked the government for help to avoid further disruptions. Passengers are advised to regularly check the status of their flights and obtain information about their rights before travelling.

Will UK law protect me if my flight is cancelled?

UK law gives passengers significant legal rights on many flights to, from or within the UK, but does not cover every flight. To be protected, your flight must meet one of the following criteria: departing from a UK airport on any airline; Arrives at a UK airport on an EU or UK airline; or arriving at an EU airport on a UK airline. If your flight does not meet any of these conditions, UK passenger rights law will not apply.

What rights do I have while waiting at the airport?

If your flight is cancelled, your airline is legally required to take care of you until they can get you to your destination – no matter how long it takes or whatever the reason for the disruption. This means that the airline must provide a reasonable amount of food and drink, usually in the form of vouchers; a means of communication where telephone calls are usually refunded; Hotel accommodation if your route is changed and you cannot travel until the next day; and transportation between the airport and your hotel or home.

If the airline is unable to make these arrangements (which may occur during major disruptions when staffing is heavy), you have the right to organize the maintenance yourself and claim the costs back at a later time. Keep every receipt, spend only what’s reasonable, and remember that airlines are unlikely to refund luxury hotels or alcohol.

Can I claim compensation if my flight is cancelled?

Compensation is only possible if you receive notice of the cancellation less than 14 days and only if the cancellation is the airline’s fault. Disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme weather conditions, air traffic control strikes, or fuel shortages caused by the Iran war, are not eligible for compensation. Always check whether the airline classifies the cancellation as an extraordinary circumstance before making a claim.

How much compensation can I claim?

The amount depends on how much notification you receive and how far your flight is.

If seven to 14 days’ notice is given, compensation is calculated based on the timing of the changed flight. On short-haul flights under 1,500km, such as Glasgow to Amsterdam, you can claim £220 if you arrive two hours or more late, or £110 if you’re less than two hours late. For medium-haul flights between 1,500 and 3,500km, such as East Midlands to Marrakech, the figure is £350 for a delay of three hours or more, and £175 for a delay of less than three hours. For long-haul flights exceeding 3,500km, such as London to New York, you can claim £520 for a delay of four hours or more, or £260 for a delay of less than four hours. All figures are per person.

If you gave less than seven days’ notice, the same compensation ranges apply; However, you have no rights if your new flight departs no more than one hour before your original departure time and arrives less than two hours after your original scheduled arrival time.

Can I get a refund instead of a change flight?

Yes. If your canceled flight is covered by UK law, you have the right to choose one of two options. You can request a full refund for any unused portions of your ticket (including the full cost of the return ticket in case of cancellation of the outward leg). Alternatively, you can ask the airline to rebook you on the next available service to your destination or on a later flight that suits you better. If another airline or a different method of transportation can get you there in a much shorter time, you may be eligible to book that instead; However, you should discuss this directly with your airline.

What should I do if my airline does not respond to my request?

If you have made a request and are not satisfied with the airline’s response or response, you have the right to escalate your complaint. The Civil Aviation Authority oversees passenger rights in the UK and can investigate airlines that fail to comply with their legal obligations. Keep records of all correspondence, receipts and booking documents to support your case.