Did British Airways cancel your flight?
If your trip was disrupted by a British Airways flight cancellation, you might be entitled to up to €600 in compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. This applies even if British Airways offered you a rebooking, voucher, or refund. Many passengers are not aware that their rights extend beyond the basic refund you can still claim monetary compensation if certain conditions are met.
We specialize in flight compensation, helping passengers claim what they’re entitled to quickly, efficiently, and with minimal effort on their part.
When can you claim British Airways Flight Cancellation Compensation?
You can request British Airways Flight Cancellation Compensation if:
- You were notified of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
- Your rebooked flight arrived later than originally scheduled.
- The cancellation was not due to extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or airport closures.
- Your flight departed from or arrived in the EU and was operated by British Airways.
Example:
If your British Airways flight from Lisbon to Brussels was cancelled 48 hours before departure and your new flight arrived 4 hours later, you could be entitled to €250 in compensation.
What are my rights under EU 261/2004?
When your British Airways flight is cancelled, EU law grants you several protections:
- Financial compensation up to €600 if the cancellation notice was less than 14 days before departure.
- Choice of refund or rebooking at no additional cost.
- Right to care, including meals, hotel accommodation, and transportation if necessary.
- Clear information from the airline about your rights.
These rights apply to all flights that:
- Depart from an EU airport, regardless of the airline’s nationality.
- Arrive in the EU when operated by an EU-based airline like British Airways.
Does British Airways pay cancellation compensation voluntarily?
In most cases, British Airways does not automatically pay compensation for cancellations. The airline might:
- Avoid proactively informing passengers about their rights.
- Offer travel vouchers instead of cash payouts.
- Claim “extraordinary circumstances” to avoid payment even when the situation doesn’t qualify.
At Aireclaim, we specialize in challenging these denials. Our legal team manages every step of the process, from the initial claim to potential court action, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Tip: Even if British Airways refunded your ticket or rebooked your flight, you may still be entitled to additional compensation.
More about British Airways
With over 100 years of aviation history, BA has flown royalty, rockstars, and millions of everyday passengers to all corners of the world. Today, it serves over 200 destinations, operates nearly 280 aircraft, and is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance. But let’s be honest — even legendary airlines have rough days. And in recent years, British Airways has had more than a few.
Big Numbers, Big Disruptions
In 2024, BA reported £14.4 billion in revenue and carried around 45 million passengers. Impressive, right?
Now here’s the less glamorous side:
- It also recorded a delay rate close to 24%, placing it among Europe’s top 10 most disrupted carriers.
- By mid-2025, BA had logged over 18,000 delayed flights, many exceeding the critical 3-hour threshold for compensation.
- In May 2025, a major IT failure grounded more than 200 flights in 72 hours, creating chaos at Heathrow and Gatwick.
Why Are So Many Flights Delayed?
It’s not always BA’s fault. European airspace is getting more crowded, and air traffic control strikes in France are causing ripple effects across the continent. In fact, a growing share of BA’s delays in 2025 have been directly linked to ATC disruptions — especially during school holidays and long weekends.
Still, many delays are within the airline’s control — from technical issues to staff shortages and late aircraft turnarounds. And that’s where your rights come in.
How much can you claim?
Your British Airways Flight Cancellation Compensation amount depends on the distance of your journey.
In addition to this, you may be entitled to reimbursement for meals, hotel stays, and transport during the disruption.
250€
Up to 1500 km
400€
From 1500 km to 3500 km
600€
More than 3500 km
How to claim British Airways Flight Cancellation Compensation Step-by-Step
Claiming your British Airways flight cancellation compensation with us is quick and straightforward:
1. Complete your flight compensation form
- Enter your departure airport and final destination.
- Indicate if you had connecting flights in your itinerary.
2. Add your cancellation details
- Select flight cancellation as the type of disruption.
- Enter the original scheduled departure and arrival times.
- Provide any information you have on the reason for the cancellation (e.g., operational issues, crew shortage, weather).
3. Review and submit
- We’ll review your case in detail, contact British Airways on your behalf, and handle all the paperwork with no upfront cost to you.
Our process covers all types of air travel disruptions from cancellations, missed flight to flight delays and overbooking ensuring you get the compensation you’re entitled to under EU261 regulations, including reimbursement for alternative transport or additional expenses when applicable.
You can start your claim now using our secure online form.
FAQs about British Airways Flight Cancellation Compensation
If the cancellation was caused by severe weather conditions, it might fall under “extraordinary circumstances”, meaning the airline is not obligated to pay compensation. However, you may still be eligible for other forms of flight compensation such as rebooking or a refund, depending on the specifics of your case. It’s important to review all details carefully to confirm your rights.
Yes, you can, your rights do not depend on your citizenship.
Airlines have the ability to complicate compensation claims, delaying or rejecting them and making the process irritating.
We can help with that. We take care of all the paperwork, discussions, and even court appearances, saving you the trouble. Our professionals maximize your chances of winning because they are experienced in air passenger rights laws. Additionally, we don't charge a service fee until we are successful in getting you paid.