A flight diversion occurs when an aircraft lands at an airport other than its intended destination, usually for safety, technical, or operational reasons.
In other words, the flight is rerouted mid-air or shortly before landing, interrupting the planned journey and often causing delays or missed connections.
Learn More About the Definition of "Flight Diversion"
Flight diversions can happen due to weather, medical emergencies, airspace restrictions, or airline decisions made to ensure passenger safety.
When a diversion occurs, passengers may be transported by bus or another aircraft to the original destination — or rebooked onto a later flight.
A diversion doesn’t automatically guarantee compensation, but under EU261/UK261, passengers may be entitled to care, re-routing, or even financial compensation, depending on the cause and length of delay at arrival.
Common causes of flight diversions:
- Adverse weather (fog, storms, wind shear)
- Medical emergencies requiring immediate landing
- Technical malfunctions or fuel issues
- Security threats or disruptive passengers
- Air traffic control (ATC) restrictions or strikes
- Runway closures or congestion at destination airport
When does a Flight diversion apply?
AireClaim determines eligibility based on whether the diversion was within the airline’s control.
You may be entitled to EU261/UK261 compensation if:
- The diversion was caused by the airline’s fault (e.g. technical or operational issues).
- The arrival delay at your final destination exceeded 3 hours.
- The flight departed from the EU/UK, or was operated by an EU/UK carrier arriving into the EU/UK.
However, no compensation is due if the diversion was necessary because of extraordinary circumstances (severe weather, medical emergencies, or ATC strikes).
Passenger rights during a diversion:
Regardless of cause, airlines must provide:
- Meals and refreshments while waiting.
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required.
- Transport to the final destination (bus, new flight, or rail).
- Two free communications (calls or emails).
Why it matters?
A flight diversion can turn a short trip into hours or even a full day of delay — and many passengers don’t realise their rights remain protected.
EU261/UK261 ensures that, even when diversions happen for valid reasons, passengers are still entitled to care, re-routing, and in some cases, financial compensation.
Understanding your rights means you can claim what’s fair and avoid unnecessary costs caused by missed connections or unexpected overnight stays.
How does AireClaim help with a Flight Diversion?
AireClaim analyses your case to determine whether your diversion qualifies for compensation.
We review:
- Official flight and weather data
- Airline communications and operational reports
- The cause of diversion and final delay
- Applicable EU261/UK261 legal standards
We then handle all communication with the airline, ensuring you receive any refund, re-routing, or compensation owed — with no upfront fees.
You only pay a success fee if we win.
- Start here: Check eligibility & start your flight claim
- Read more: Passenger Rights under EU261
FAQs about What is a Flight Diversion
You can, but then you’re considered to have voluntarily ended the journey. In that case, you may receive a refund for the unused part of your ticket, but not compensation. Learn more in Flight Refund
Yes. If both flights were in the same booking reference (PNR), EU261 treats the journey as a single itinerary. Compensation is based on delay at your final destination, not where the diversion occurred. LEarn more in Missed Connection.