Strikes at airports or by airline staff can disrupt thousands of travel plans each year, leaving families stranded, business meetings missed, and holidays cut short. Many passengers are unsure whether they are entitled to Cancelled Flight Compensation in such cases. Understanding how EU Regulation 261/2004 applies during strikes is key to knowing when airlines must pay compensation and when they are legally exempt.
What EU Regulation 261/2004 Covers
EU Regulation 261/2004 sets out passenger rights regarding flight cancellations, delays, and denied boarding. When a flight is canceled, airlines are usually required to provide both care and compensation. Care includes meals, hotel stays if necessary, and rebooking options. Compensation ranges from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance.
However, the law also states that airlines are not obliged to pay if the cancellation results from “extraordinary circumstances” beyond their control. This is where strikes often come into question.
Are Strikes an Extraordinary Circumstance?
Not all strikes are treated the same under EU law. Some are considered extraordinary, while others are not. The distinction matters greatly for passengers seeking Cancelled Flight Compensation.
Air traffic control strikes: Usually considered extraordinary, since the airline cannot influence government staff decisions.
Airport staff strikes: Often extraordinary, as the airline does not directly employ ground handling or security staff.
Airline employee strikes: Typically not extraordinary. If pilots, cabin crew, or technical staff employed by the airline go on strike, courts often rule that airlines remain responsible for compensation.
This distinction means that in some strike situations, passengers may be entitled to financial compensation in addition to care, while in others they will only receive assistance such as rebooking or refunds.
Passenger Rights During Cancellations
If your flight is cancelled due to a strike, you are still entitled to basic rights under EU law, even when compensation is not payable. These include:
The choice is between a full refund of the ticket or rebooking on another flight.
Meals and refreshments during the waiting period.
Hotel accommodation is provided if an overnight stay is required.
Access to communication, such as phone calls or emails.
These rights apply to all passengers, whether or not extraordinary circumstances apply.
How Skycop Helps
Filing a claim directly with an airline can be time-consuming and frustrating. Airlines may argue that a strike counts as an extraordinary circumstance even when it may not. This often leaves passengers confused or discouraged. Skycop provides a clearer path by:
Reviewing each case to determine if compensation is valid.
Handling communication and disputes directly with the airline.
Operating on a “no win, no fee” basis, ensuring passengers face no upfront risk.
For families, business travellers, or international tourists who may not be familiar with legal arguments, Skycop offers a straightforward and less stressful way to claim what is owed.
Conclusion
Strikes are unpredictable and disruptive, but EU Regulation 261/2004 ensures passengers are not left without support. Cancelled Flight Compensation may not always apply during every strike, but care rights remain guaranteed. By knowing the difference between extraordinary and non-extraordinary circumstances, travellers can make informed claims. And with expert support available, passengers can turn a stressful experience into a fair outcome.
Jessica Alexander
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