Delayed or cancelled by a strike: can I claim?
It depends whose staff went on strike. Airlines often say "strike" and refuse compensation, but a strike by their own employees usually doesn't let them off.
The airline's own staff: usually yes
Strikes by the airline's own pilots, cabin crew or ground staff are part of running an airline, so they are not extraordinary circumstances (CJEU Airhelp v SAS, C-28/20). The same applies to "wildcat" sick-outs by the airline's staff (CJEU Krüsemann, C-195/17). You're owed compensation.
Air traffic control or airport staff: usually no
Strikes by air traffic controllers, airport security, baggage handlers employed by the airport, or other outside staff are usually extraordinary circumstances, so no compensation is due. You're still entitled to a refund or another flight, and to meals and a hotel while you wait.
If the airline just says "strike"
Ask it whose staff were on strike. If it was the airline's own, claim. Even with an outside strike, ask whether the airline did everything reasonable to avoid the disruption, for example rerouting you quickly.
Questions
Do I get compensation if the pilots went on strike?
Yes, usually. A strike by the airline's own pilots or crew isn't an extraordinary circumstance, so standard UK261 or EU261 compensation is due.
What about a French air traffic control strike?
Usually no compensation, because air traffic control strikes are outside the airline's control. You still get care while you wait and a refund or new flight if cancelled.
More guides
- How much compensation can I get for a delayed or cancelled flight?
- What are "extraordinary circumstances"?
- Cancelled flight: what you're owed
- Bumped from an overbooked flight: your rights
- How far back can I claim?
- Airline rejected your claim? What to do next
- Missed your connecting flight? What you're owed
- Meals, hotels and refunds during a delay
- Downgraded to a lower class: what you're owed
Important: DelayOwed is a self-help guidance tool, not a law firm or claims company, and is not affiliated with any airline. Airline names are used only to describe which flights this guide covers.