Air traffic controller strike:compensation and passenger rights
An air traffic control strike is external to the airline and may qualify as an extraordinary circumstance. Fixed compensation may be excluded, but care, refund and rerouting rights still need to be considered.
This guide provides general information. Eligibility always depends on the precise facts and the rules applicable to the case.
Compensation may be excluded, but not all rights disappear
The airline must show that an air traffic control restriction actually affected your flight and that the disruption could not have been avoided despite reasonable measures.
Even without fixed compensation, care and cancellation options remain relevant.
Compensation of up to €600 may apply
Where the applicable conditions are met, the fixed amount mainly depends on the flight distance.
These amounts are never automatic: notice, rerouting, cause and supporting evidence must all be checked.
Compensation may be excluded, but not all rights disappear
Connection to your flight
Ask which air traffic restriction affected the rotation.
Exact period
Compare the strike times with your scheduled flight.
Comparable flights
Check whether other flights operated or were rerouted.
Reasonable measures
Ask which alternatives the airline considered.
Rights that may still apply
Care
Meals and refreshments may remain due during the wait.
Accommodation
Hotel and transport may be required for an overnight wait.
Rerouting
After cancellation, comparable alternative transport should be offered.
Refund
You may choose reimbursement instead of rerouting.
Extraordinary circumstances do not remove every passenger right
The exception mainly concerns fixed compensation. It does not automatically remove care or the cancellation choice.
How can you test the airline’s explanation?
Identified restriction
Ask for the nature and duration of the air traffic measure.
Causal link
It must specifically explain your cancellation or delay.
Alternatives examined
The airline should show the reasonable efforts it made.
Documents you should keep
Booking confirmation
Keep the ticket, flight number and complete itinerary.
Cancellation or delay notice
Save emails, text messages and notifications with their date.
Option offered
Capture the rerouting, refund or refusal communicated by the airline.
Actual times
Record departure and arrival times for any replacement journey.
Precise reason
Request a written explanation and evidence that can be checked.
Itemised receipts
Keep proof of necessary and reasonable expenses.
Your claim in four steps
Enter the flight
Add the flight number, date and complete itinerary.
Describe the disruption
State the times, notice period and reason given.
Attach evidence
Provide messages, booking documents and useful receipts.
Check your rights
The case is assessed before any action is taken.
Related pages to read
Frequently asked questions — Air traffic controller strike
Does an ATC strike always exclude compensation?
Not automatically. The airline must prove the causal link and reasonable measures.
Am I still entitled to meals?
Care may remain due even where fixed compensation is excluded.
Can I request a refund?
Following cancellation, the choice between refund and rerouting remains relevant.
What if no alternative flight is offered?
Request a written response and keep evidence of comparable options.
Must the airline provide evidence?
It must be able to substantiate the event and its impact on your flight.
What should I keep?
Keep the booking, messages, timings, receipts and precise reason.
Could your flight qualify for compensation?
Enter your journey details for an initial assessment with no upfront fee.