The Most Common Reasons for Flight Disruptions

Imagine the frustration of the arrival at the airport only to find out your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked. Flight disruptions can throw even the best-laid travel plans into chaos, leaving passengers stressed and scrambling for alternatives. The only good news is that depending on the reason behind the disruption, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261. Here’s a closer look at the main reasons for flight disruptions and how you can get compensated.

Weather Conditions

Mother Nature can be a traveler’s best friend or worst enemy. Severe weather, such as heavy snow, storms, fog, or strong winds, is one of the most common reasons for flight delays and cancellations. Unfortunately, because weather is classified as an “extraordinary circumstance,” airlines are not usually required to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations caused by it.

What You Can Do:

While compensation might not be available, airlines must still provide care. It includes meals, refreshments, and accommodation if you’re stranded overnight. Ask for these services if your flight is delayed due to weather.

Technical Issues

Mechanical problems and technical malfunctions are another frequent cause of delays and cancellations. Unlike weather, these issues are typically considered within the airline’s control because they are often related to regular aircraft maintenance and operational processes. The explanation is that airlines are responsible for ensuring their planes are fit for flight through preventive maintenance and checks.

Relevant Court Case:

In the Wallentin-Hermann v. Alitalia (C-549/07) case, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that technical issues do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances unless they arise from hidden manufacturing defects or sabotage. Routine wear and tear or maintenance issues are considered the airline’s responsibility.

What You Can Do:

If your flight is delayed for more than three hours due to technical issues, you could be entitled to compensation of up to €600, depending on the flight distance. Keep all travel documents and receipts to strengthen your claim.

Strikes

Strikes by airline staff, such as pilots or cabin crew, can lead to mass disruptions and a wave of canceled or delayed flights. When airline employees strike, it’s generally considered within the airline’s control because it reflects internal issues related to labor relations, scheduling, or contracts. However, strikes by airport staff, such as security or air traffic control, are usually classified as extraordinary circumstances.

Relevant Court Case:

The ECJ ruling in the Germanwings (C-28/20) case confirmed that wildcat strikes triggered by airline management decisions (e.g., mass restructuring) are considered within the airline’s control and do not exempt them from paying compensation.

What You Can Do:

If your flight is affected by an airline strike, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261. Document everything, including cancellation notices or delays, and request meals, refreshments, and rebooking assistance at no extra cost.

Overbooking

To maximize revenue, airlines sometimes sell more tickets than seats available on the plane. It can lead to passengers being denied boarding, even if they’ve arrived on time and done everything right. Since overbooking is a deliberate business decision by the airline, it is considered entirely within their control.

What You Can Do:

If you’re bumped from your flight, don’t settle for a voucher unless it’s your preferred option. You’re legally entitled to compensation of up to €600, plus meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary. Ensure you get written documentation from the airline about why you were denied boarding.

Crew Shortages

Crew shortages can result from unexpected illnesses, scheduling mismanagement, or inadequate staffing. Because these issues are related to how airlines manage and allocate their crew (e.g., crew scheduling problems), they are generally considered within the airline’s control. Airlines are responsible for ensuring enough staff is available to operate flights as scheduled.

What You Can Do:

Ask the airline for confirmation of the reason behind the disruption. If it’s due to a crew shortage, file a compensation claim, keeping all relevant documentation like boarding passes and communications from the airline.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) Restrictions

Air traffic control restrictions, such as ground stops, airspace congestion, or mandatory re-routing, can lead to delays. ATC-related issues are often classified as extraordinary circumstances because they are typically beyond the airline’s control. However, compensation could still apply if the disruption was caused by the airline’s poor scheduling or response.

What You Can Do:

If ATC restrictions are cited, ask the airline for a detailed explanation. If their handling of the situation was inadequate or avoidable, you might have a compensation case. Be persistent and document all communications.

Operational Reasons (Schedule Changes, Re-Routes)

Operational reasons, such as last-minute schedule changes, re-routing due to demand, or maintenance, can also disrupt flights. These are almost always considered within the airline’s control since they result from internal decision-making and planning processes.

What You Can Do:

If your flight is disrupted for operational reasons, request written confirmation from the airline. It will be essential when filing a compensation claim. Compensation amounts depend on the length of the delay and the distance of your flight, so make sure to check what you’re entitled to under EU261.

How to Claim Compensation

When faced with a disruption, here’s your plan:

• Document Everything: Keep your boarding pass, receipts, and any communications from the airline.
• Know Your Rights: Compensation can range from €250 to €600 depending on the delay length and distance.
• File a Claim: Contact the airline and be prepared with evidence.
• Be Persistent: Airlines might push back, but stand firm. It’s your right.
  

Conclusion

Flight disruptions are the worst, but knowing the common reasons and your rights can get you to your destination with fewer problems, and you could receive up to €600 in compensation for the experienced inconvenience. Don’t forget that Langround is always here to assist you with flight disruption claims.