WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLIGHT DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS

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AS reports of severe airport delays dominate headlines this week, travel rights experts at AirHelp (Airhelp.co.uk) are warning passengers that many may be confused about what compensation they are actually entitled to if airport queues cause them to miss their flight.

While airlines can be held responsible for delays and cancellations under UK261 and EC261 regulations, the rules are very different when disruption happens before passengers reach the gate.
According to AirHelp, travellers who miss a flight because of exceptionally long security or border control queues are generally not entitled to compensation from the airline, as these delays fall outside of the airline’s operational control.
Eric Napoli, Chief Legal Officer at AirHelp, says:
“The severe airport delays we are witnessing represent a significant challenge for the travel ecosystem, and unfortunately, passengers are bearing a huge share of the burden of these new measures.
If you miss a flight due to exceptionally long security or border queues, you are not entitled to cash compensation from the airline under EC261 or UK261. Regulations hold airlines accountable only for disruptions within their direct operational control.
This summer, proactive preparation is essential. Travellers should realistically plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure. If you find yourself in a lengthy queue and risk missing your flight, immediately alert airline staff on the ground, as they can often facilitate urgent rebooking.
A frequent mistake is leaving or self-cancelling independently, which can forfeit your rights to alternate transportation or refunds. Always document the situation, maintain clear records, and keep all receipts.”
The Airport Queue Survival Guide By Airhelp.co.uk
• Arrive three hours early
• Screenshot boarding passes
• Keep receipts
• Alert airline staff immediately
• Never self-cancel
• Download the Airhelp app and check your rights