Extraordinary circumstances:how can you check the airline’s claim?
A general label such as “weather”, “air traffic control” or “security” is not enough. The airline must connect the event to your flight and show the reasonable measures taken.
This guide provides general information. Eligibility always depends on the precise facts and the rules applicable to the case.
Check the event, its impact and the action taken
The event must fall outside normal activity or beyond the airline’s effective control under the applicable rules.
Even where fixed compensation is excluded, care and cancellation options may remain.
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.
Check the event, its impact and the action taken
Precise event
Ask for the nature, location, time and duration of the problem.
Causal link
The airline should explain how the event affected your rotation.
Reasonable measures
Check alternative crew, aircraft or routing considered.
Timeline
Compare the event, operational decision and your disruption.
Examples that must be distinguished carefully
Dangerous weather
It may be extraordinary if its concrete impact is established.
Air traffic control
An external decision may support the exception on the facts.
Technical problem
Most routine faults are not automatically extraordinary.
Internal strike
Action by airline staff is not automatically extraordinary.
Naming a cause is not the same as proving it
Two flights on the same day can have different outcomes. The analysis must focus on your flight, the rotation and available alternatives.
A three-level test
Event
Is it specific, verifiable and relevant?
Causation
Does it directly explain the cancellation or final delay?
Avoidance
Could reasonable measures have limited the disruption?
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 — Checking extraordinary circumstances
Who proves extraordinary circumstances?
The airline relying on them must substantiate the event and its link to the flight.
Is bad weather enough?
No. Check the conditions, airport, time and actual impact.
Is a technical problem extraordinary?
Most routine technical problems are not automatically extraordinary.
Can I request documents?
You can request a precise explanation and accessible evidence supporting the refusal.
Do care rights remain?
Yes. Care and rerouting rights may still apply.
What if the reply is vague?
Ask in writing for the event, causal link and reasonable measures.
Could your flight qualify for compensation?
Enter your journey details for an initial assessment with no upfront fee.