Bird Strike Flight Delay — Can You Claim Compensation?
A bird strike is one of the few aircraft-related events that genuinely counts as an extraordinary circumstance. Because it’s an external event the airline can’t prevent, a delay caused directly by a bird strike is usually not compensable. That said, the airline’s wider obligations still apply, and not every delay an airline blames on a bird strike actually qualifies.
This guide explains why bird strikes are treated differently and when you might still have a claim. Check your amount with the compensation calculator.
Does a Bird Strike Qualify?
The General Rule
Usually it excuses the airline:
- A bird strike is an external event — extraordinary
- Damage caused directly by a bird strike is usually not compensable
- This is the opposite of an ordinary technical fault
- But the right to care still applies 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 defence isn’t automatic:
- The airline must take reasonable steps to minimise the resulting delay
- Excessive delay after the inspection/repair may go beyond what’s justified
- If the bird strike hit an earlier flight and the airline failed to recover, you may be owed
- Ask the airline to evidence the bird strike actually affected your aircraft
What to Do
Your Steps
If a bird strike was cited for a 3+ hour delay:
- Ask the airline to confirm and evidence the bird strike
- Check the delay was proportionate to the inspection and repair
- If the delay seems excessive, challenge it
- Keep receipts — your right to care applies
Common Questions
Why is a bird strike extraordinary but a technical fault isn’t?
Because the cause is external. A technical fault arises from the aircraft’s own components, which the airline is responsible for maintaining — so it’s inherent in running an airline. A bird strike comes from outside and can’t be prevented by maintenance, which is why the courts treat it as an extraordinary circumstance.
The bird strike was on a previous flight, not mine. Am I covered?
Possibly. If a bird strike damaged the aircraft on an earlier rotation and your flight was the knock-on delay, the airline still has to take all reasonable steps to recover — for instance by using another aircraft. If it could have limited your delay and didn’t, you may still have a claim.
Do I get anything at all for a bird-strike delay?
Yes — the right to care. Even though cash compensation usually isn’t payable, the airline must still provide food, drink, communication, and overnight accommodation with transport if needed. Keep any receipts if you had to pay for these yourself.
Related Guides
Technical Fault 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.
