Extraordinary circumstances and flight compensation — what the CAA says
Not legal advice. This article is general information and a pointer to letter templates only. Claim Helper does not act as your solicitor, representative, or claims management company. Outcomes are not guaranteed. Whether compensation is due depends on the facts and whether the airline can prove extraordinary circumstances and that it took reasonable measures. Prefer the airline’s official claim form where available. Official guidance: CAA — Am I entitled to compensation?.
Airlines often refuse fixed UK261 compensation by saying the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances. That phrase has a specific meaning. Understanding what the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) publishes can help you decide whether to claim, chase a rejection, or escalate.
What “extraordinary circumstances” means for compensation
Under retained UK Reg (EU) No 261/2004 (“UK261”), fixed delay or cancellation compensation is not due if the airline proves the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
Care (food, drink, communication, hotel where due) is different: once care thresholds are met, care is generally due regardless of the reason for the delay. See CAA — Delays.
Examples the CAA says are likely to qualify
The CAA’s “Am I entitled?” page lists situations that are likely to count as extraordinary, including:
- severe weather that grounds or seriously disrupts flights;
- strikes unrelated to the airline’s own staff (for example air traffic control, airport staff, or Border Force);
- security risks, terrorism or sabotage;
- political instability or civil unrest;
- hidden manufacturing defects / certain manufacturer recalls.
Always read the current CAA wording for your situation: Am I entitled to compensation?.
What is usually not extraordinary
The CAA discusses that ordinary technical faults arising in the normal course of airline operations are generally not extraordinary. Court decisions such as Jet2 v Huzar and KLM v van der Lans are referenced in CAA material as part of that discussion — they are case law, not a guarantee for every fault.
If the airline only says “technical issue” without explaining why that issue was outside normal operations, you can ask for a clear written cause and why they say it was extraordinary.
What to do if the airline rejects you
- Keep booking refs, boarding passes, delay notices, and any written refusal.
- Ask (in writing) for the specific cause and why it was extraordinary / what reasonable measures were taken.
- Claim the airline first if you have not already (CAA — Claiming).
- If you get a final rejection you disagree with, or wait more than eight weeks without a satisfactory response, the CAA says you can escalate to the airline’s ADR scheme, or to the CAA’s PACT if the airline is not in ADR (CAA — Delays).
You can draft a structured DIY claim letter with Claim Helper’s free UK261 letter preview — templates only; not representation.
Related reading
- How to claim UK261 flight delay compensation
- CAA flight compensation amounts 2026
- CAA — Cancellations
Claim Helper — templates and guidance only. Not legal advice.