British Airways Delay Flight Compensation

If your British Airways flight arrived more than 3 hours late, you may be entitled to up to €600 under EU Regulation 261/2004, even if you accepted a rebooking or voucher. At AireClaim, we are experts in flight compensation, helping passengers secure what they’re owed quickly and efficiently.

Check compensation

Was your flight delayed more than 3 hours?

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You may qualify for British Airways flight delay compensation if:

• Your British Airways flight was delayed by 3+ hours upon arrival.
• The delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather, political instability).
• Your flight was departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
• You had a confirmed booking and checked in on time.

Example: Your British Airways flight from Madrid to Dublin was delayed by 3 hours and 45 minutes due to a technical fault → You could be entitled to €250 compensation.

What are my rights under EU 261/2004?

As a British Airways passenger, you are protected by EU Regulation 261/2004 if your flight:

• Departs from any airport in the EU/UK
• Is operated by a European airline (like British Airways) arriving into the EU/UK
• Is delayed by 3 or more hours on arrival
• Is not affected by extraordinary circumstances

These rights include:

• Right to care during long delays: meals, refreshments, and accommodation if needed
• Right to compensation if delay meets the EU 261/2004 criteria
• Right to reimbursement if delay exceeds 5 hours and you choose not to travel

Does British Airways pay delayed flight compensation voluntarily?
 

In most cases, British Airways will not automatically pay flight delay compensation and may delay or reject claims, often citing:

• Technical issues as “extraordinary.”
• Weather or strikes as the cause.
• Incorrectly stating the delay was under 3 hours.

AireClaim manages your claim from start to finish, from contacting the airline to taking legal action if needed.

✅ 90% success rate

✅ Legal team ready to act

✅ No upfront fees

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 to claim British Airways Flight Delay Compensation Step-by-Step

Claiming your British Airways flight delay compensation with AireClaim is quick and simple:

1. Complete your flight compensation form

• Enter your departure airport and final destination.
• Indicate if you had connecting flights.

2. Add your disruption details

• Select the type of disruption (delay, cancellation, missed connection).
• Enter the scheduled and actual arrival times.

3. Provide the reason for the disruption (if known)

4. Review and submit

• We’ll analyse your case, contact the airline, and handle all the paperwork at no upfront cost.

Our process covers all types of air travel disruptions from delays to flight cancellations and missed flights — ensuring you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

You can start your claim now using our secure online form: