Heathrow closed: What rights do you have to compensation for cancelled flights?
Heathrow airport shutdown: What rights do you have to flight compensation?
- Heathrow Airport on Friday experienced a complete shutdown due to a severe fire, disrupting hundreds of thousands of passengers.
- Airlines are obligated to provide care for stranded passengers, including meals and accommodations, but are not required to offer compensation as the fire was beyond their control.
- Passenger rights vary depending on the flight's origin and the airline. Flights from the UK and EU are covered by EC261/UK261 regulations, which stipulate care and compensation for cancellations and significant delays.
- For flights originating outside the UK/EU on non-EU/UK airlines, passengers have limited rights, and travel insurance may be necessary to cover expenses.
- Passengers can claim compensation for cancellations or delays exceeding three hours, unless the airline demonstrates "extraordinary circumstances."
