Strike Flight Delay — Can You Claim Compensation?
Whether you can claim for a strike-related delay hinges on one question: who was striking? A strike by the airline’s own staff — its pilots or cabin crew — is generally claimable, because managing its workforce is part of running the airline. A strike by third parties, such as air traffic control or airport staff, is usually an extraordinary circumstance and not compensable.
This guide explains the distinction and how to challenge a wrongful refusal. Check your amount with the compensation calculator.
Does a Strike Qualify?
Who Struck Decides It
It depends entirely on who is striking:
- Airline’s OWN staff (pilots, cabin crew) — usually CLAIMABLE
- Air traffic control strike — usually NOT claimable (extraordinary)
- Airport staff or ground handler strike — usually NOT claimable
- Border force strike — usually NOT claimable
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
Why the Distinction Matters
Internal vs External
The logic follows the extraordinary-circumstances test:
- The airline’s own staff are part of its normal operation — not external
- Third-party strikes are outside the airline’s control — external
- The CAA has taken enforcement action against airlines refusing to pay for their own staff strikes
- Even after a third-party strike ends, the airline must still try to recover the schedule
What to Do
Your Steps
If a strike delayed you 3+ hours:
- Establish who was striking — ask the airline to confirm
- If it was the airline’s own staff, submit a claim
- If they refuse, challenge it
Common Questions
The airline blamed “strike action” but won’t say whose. What do I do?
Press them. The whole question turns on whether it was their own staff or a third party. Ask the airline to confirm in writing exactly which strike caused your delay. A vague “strike action” answer often hides the fact it was the airline’s own staff — which would make your claim valid.
A strike was announced weeks ago. Does that affect my claim?
It can help you. Even where a strike is an extraordinary circumstance, the airline must take all reasonable steps to minimise disruption — including planning around a strike it knew about in advance. A failure to re-route or rebook you can make compensation payable despite the strike.
What about a strike at a different airline that affected my flight?
That is generally treated as external and outside your airline’s control, so it usually counts as extraordinary. But the duty to take reasonable steps still applies — if your airline could have got you there another way and didn’t, it may still owe you.
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.
