Air Traffic Control Delay — Can You Claim Compensation?
Air traffic control delays — whether from ATC strikes, staff shortages or airspace congestion — are generally treated as extraordinary circumstances, because they are outside the airline’s control. That usually means no compensation. But there are important exceptions, and the airline’s duty to minimise disruption doesn’t disappear just because ATC was involved.
This guide explains when ATC delays are claimable and when they aren’t. Check your amount with the compensation calculator.
Do ATC Delays Qualify?
The General Rule
Usually not — they are typically extraordinary:
- ATC strikes are usually extraordinary — not claimable
- ATC staff shortages are usually extraordinary
- Airspace congestion and flow restrictions are usually extraordinary
- But the airline must still provide care during the delay
How Much You Could Claim
Compensation by Distance
If the delay is the airline’s responsibility, amounts are fixed per passenger:
- £220 — short-haul, up to 1,500 km
- £350 — medium-haul, 1,500 to 3,500 km
- £520 — long-haul, over 3,500 km
- You must arrive at your final destination 3+ hours late
When You May Still Claim
The Exceptions
The extraordinary defence has limits:
- If the ATC issue ended well before your flight, the airline can’t keep relying on it
- The airline must take all reasonable steps to recover the schedule
- A failure to re-route or rebook can make compensation payable again
- Watch for ordinary delays dressed up as “ATC restrictions”
What to Do
Your Steps
If ATC was cited for a 3+ hour delay:
- Ask the airline to confirm the specific ATC event and timing
- Check whether the airline could have recovered the schedule
- If the excuse looks weak, challenge it
- Keep receipts — your right to care applies regardless
Common Questions
Gatwick is always blaming ATC. Is that always valid?
Not automatically. ATC restrictions are real and common, especially at congested airports, but airlines do over-cite them. Ask for the specific restriction that affected your flight and its timing. If the ATC issue had cleared hours before your departure, or other flights operated normally, the defence may not hold.
The ATC strike was abroad, not in the UK. Does that matter?
Not for the principle — a third-party ATC strike anywhere on your route is generally extraordinary. But the airline still has to take reasonable steps to get you to your destination. If it made no effort to re-route you once the strike’s impact was known, you may still have a claim.
Do I get care during an ATC delay?
Yes. The right to care — food, drink, communication, and overnight accommodation if needed — applies no matter the cause, including ATC delays. If the airline failed to provide it and you paid yourself, keep the receipts to reclaim those costs.
Related Guides
Strike Flight Delay Compensation
Flight Delay Compensation Calculator
Am I Eligible for Flight Delay Compensation?
Extraordinary Circumstances Explained
How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation
Check If You Could Claim Compensation For Your Delayed Flight
If your flight was delayed by 3 hours or more, you may be entitled to compensation. Start a free flight delay claim check in minutes — no upfront cost. No win, no fee if your claim is accepted.
