Flight cancellations full advice: Your rights, compensation and what to do

Several major airlines have already announced widespread cancellations (Image: Getty)

The Iran war has thrown the summer travel season into uncertainty, with jet fuel supplies disrupted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and airlines privately warning the government that cuts to flights and fare hikes may be unavoidable if the situation does not improve.

A document seen by ITV News, submitted to ministers and the Civil Aviation Authority, cautioned that if the disruption “continues or worsens” airlines will be forced to reduce services and push prices higher. Fuel costs for passengers on flights within the EU have already risen by roughly £25 per person, with a Barcelona to Berlin flight now costing airlines around £22 more per passenger in fuel alone.

With cancellations and timetable changes already affecting some carriers this summer, here is everything you need to know about your rights, what you are entitled to and how to claim it.

What is causing flight cancellations in summer 2025?

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies pass — has disrupted jet fuel supplies and driven up costs for airlines operating across Europe and beyond. Carriers have already made some cancellations and schedule changes, and the industry has formally asked the government for help to avoid further cuts. Passengers are being advised to check the status of their flights regularly and familiarise themselves with their rights before they travel.

Does UK law protect me if my flight is cancelled?

UK law gives passengers important legal rights on many flights to, from or within the UK — but it does not cover every flight. To be protected, your flight must meet one of the following criteria: it departs from a UK airport on any airline; it arrives at a UK airport on an EU or UK airline; or it arrives at an EU airport on a UK airline. If your flight does not meet any of these conditions, UK passenger rights law will not apply.

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What am I entitled to while I wait at the airport?

If your flight is cancelled, your airline is legally required to look after you until it can get you to your destination — regardless of how long that takes or what caused the disruption. This means the airline must provide a reasonable amount of food and drink, typically in the form of vouchers; a means of communication, usually by refunding the cost of phone calls; hotel accommodation if you are rerouted and cannot travel until the following day; and transport between the airport and your hotel or home.

If the airline cannot make these arrangements — which can happen during major disruptions when staff are stretched — you have the right to organise care yourself and claim the costs back later. Keep every receipt, spend only what is reasonable, and bear in mind that airlines are unlikely to refund luxury hotels or alcohol.

Can I claim compensation if my flight is cancelled?

Compensation is only available if you received less than 14 days’ notice of the cancellation — and only if the cancellation was the airline’s fault. Disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances — including extreme weather, air traffic control strikes or, potentially, fuel shortages caused by the Iran war — are not eligible for compensation. Always check whether the airline is classifying the cancellation as an extraordinary circumstance before pursuing a claim.

How much compensation can I claim?

The amount depends on how much notice you received and how far your flight was travelling.

If you received between seven and 14 days’ notice, compensation is based on the timings of the replacement flight. For short-haul flights under 1,500km — such as Glasgow to Amsterdam — you can claim £220 if you arrive two or more hours late, or £110 if you arrive less than two hours late. For medium-haul flights of 1,500km to 3,500km — such as East Midlands to Marrakesh — the figures are £350 for three or more hours late, or £175 for less than three hours late. For long-haul flights over 3,500km — such as London to New York — you can claim £520 for four or more hours late, or £260 for less than four hours late. All figures are per person.

If you received less than seven days’ notice, the same compensation bands apply — but you are not entitled to anything if your new flight departs no more than one hour before your original departure time and arrives less than two hours after the original scheduled arrival.

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Can I get a refund instead of a replacement flight?

Yes. If your cancelled flight is covered by UK law, you have the right to choose between two options. You can request a full refund for any unused portions of your ticket — including the entire cost of a return ticket if the outbound leg is cancelled. Alternatively, you can ask the airline to rebook you on the next available service to your destination, or on a later flight that suits you better. If another airline or a different mode of transport could get you there significantly sooner, you may have the right to be booked onto that instead — though you should discuss this directly with your airline.

What should I do if my airline is not responding to my claim?

If you have submitted a claim and are unhappy with the airline’s response — or the time it is taking — you have the right to escalate your complaint. The Civil Aviation Authority oversees passenger rights in the UK and can investigate airlines that fail to meet their legal obligations. Keep records of all correspondence, receipts and booking documentation to support your case.