Airport & Runway Delays — Can You Claim Compensation?
Delays caused by the airport itself — runway closures, airport-wide IT failures, security incidents or congestion — are generally outside the airline’s control and so usually count as extraordinary circumstances. That typically means no compensation. But the line isn’t always clean, and the airline’s duty to recover the schedule and care for you remains.
This guide explains which airport-related delays are claimable and which aren’t. Check your amount with the compensation calculator.
Do Airport & Runway Delays Qualify?
The General Rule
Usually not — they’re typically extraordinary:
- Runway closures are usually extraordinary
- Airport-wide IT or power failures are usually extraordinary
- Security incidents and airport evacuations are usually extraordinary
- Airport congestion and slot restrictions are usually extraordinary
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 has limits:
- Once the airport issue clears, the airline must recover the schedule
- Ordinary delays sometimes get dressed up as “airport issues”
- If the airline’s own ground handling caused it, that’s not extraordinary
- The right to care applies throughout, regardless of cause
What to Do
Your Steps
If an airport or runway issue was cited for a 3+ hour delay:
- Ask the airline to confirm the specific airport event and timing
- Check whether it was the airport’s issue or the airline’s ground handling
- If the excuse looks weak, challenge it
- Keep receipts — your right to care applies
Common Questions
The airline blamed “airport restrictions.” Is that a real reason?
Sometimes, but it’s also a convenient catch-all. Genuine airport-wide problems — a runway closure, a security alert, an IT outage — are extraordinary. But “airport restrictions” can also mask an ordinary delay or the airline’s own ground-handling failure. Ask for the specific event and its timing.
My delay was caused by slow baggage handling. Is that extraordinary?
Usually not, if the airline’s own contracted ground handler was responsible. Ground handling is generally treated as part of the airline’s operation. A third-party, airport-wide failure may be extraordinary, but a problem with the airline’s own handling arrangements normally isn’t.
The runway reopened hours before my flight. Can I still claim?
Potentially yes. If the airport issue cleared well before your departure and the airline failed to recover the schedule, it can’t keep relying on the original event. Ask when the restriction lifted and whether the airline took reasonable steps to get you away on time.
Related Guides
Air Traffic Control 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.
