What are extraordinary circumstances for flights?

The short answer

Extraordinary circumstances are situations that an airline could not foresee or prevent, despite taking all reasonable measures. These include extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall, hurricanes or dense fog, political unrest and war situations, terrorist threats and security risks, and strikes by air traffic controllers or airport staff. In these circumstances, the airline does not have to pay compensation for delays or cancellations.

What does the law say?

European Regulation 261/2004 regulates when passengers are entitled to compensation for flight disruption. This law states that airlines do not have to pay compensation if the delay or cancellation is the result of extraordinary circumstances. The airline must be able to prove that the circumstances were extraordinary and that all reasonable measures were taken to mitigate the consequences. Dutch courts apply strict criteria in assessing what qualifies as extraordinary.

What should you watch out for?

Airlines often try to wrongly classify technical defects or staffing shortages as extraordinary circumstances. Note that strikes by the airline's own personnel are not actually extraordinary circumstances. The airline must also demonstrate that the disruption was directly caused by the extraordinary circumstance and not other factors. Always keep your documents and communication from the airline as evidence.

Example from practice

Suppose your flight from Amsterdam to Barcelona is canceled due to a heavy snowstorm at Schiphol. This is an extraordinary circumstance as extreme weather conditions are beyond the airline's control. You would then not be entitled to the standard €250 compensation, but the airline must still provide alternative transportation or a refund. However, if the same flight is canceled because the pilot became ill, this is not an extraordinary circumstance and you would be entitled to compensation.

What can you do?

If your flight is disrupted, always ask for written confirmation of the reason. Then check whether this reason is actually an extraordinary circumstance according to European regulations.