Flight Canceled Due to Weather: When You’re Not Eligible for Compensation

Under EU261 regulations, passengers flying within the European Union can receive compensation of up to €600 for canceled flights or flights delayed by more than 3 hours. However, there are situations where airlines are not required to provide compensation, one of which is weather-related flight disruptions.

Circumstances Beyond Control

Weather conditions are considered “circumstances beyond the airline’s control.” This means that when a flight is disrupted due to weather, the airline is typically exempt from compensating passengers. The phrase “circumstances beyond control” refers to situations where there’s nothing the airline can do to avoid the disruption. Even with advanced weather forecasts, conditions can change unexpectedly, and the airline must make safety decisions accordingly.

Weather is unpredictable, and there’s no way to control it. If the weather is not suitable for flying, airlines may be forced to delay or cancel flights to ensure passenger and crew safety.

Aircraft and Weather Conditions

It’s important to understand that poor weather conditions don’t necessarily mean heavy rain or snow. Weather events such as low visibility, strong winds, and turbulence can also result in delays or cancellations. While one flight may depart on time, another under similar weather conditions may be grounded. The ability of an aircraft to operate safely in these conditions depends on several factors, including the aircraft’s size, design, and technology.

For instance, heavy fog or clouds can significantly reduce visibility, making it difficult for pilots to navigate. Larger, modern aircraft with advanced navigation technology may be able to operate in low-visibility conditions, while smaller, older aircraft may need clearer weather.

Similarly, storms along the flight path can cause delays, not just because of heavy rain or snow, but also to avoid turbulence, wind shear, or lightning strikes. Strong crosswinds can also affect take-off and landing, especially for aircraft with a lower tolerance for wind speeds. Larger aircraft may be able to handle stronger winds, while smaller aircraft might not be able to take off or land safely.

Common Passenger Concerns

Passengers often express frustration when they are denied compensation after a weather-related disruption. Here are some common questions and their explanations:

• Q: “But the weather was fine in my departure city! It was sunny all day!”
  A: While the weather may have been clear at your departure city, conditions at your destination could be entirely different. There may be storms, strong winds, or other issues at the arrival airport. Weather affects more than just the departure city—it’s also about what’s happening at the arrival location. Additionally, conditions at high altitudes, such as wind, may not be visible on the ground but can still impact the flight. 
• Q: “I saw other planes take off. Why was my flight canceled and not theirs?”
  A: No two flights are identical. Aircraft vary in size, design, and equipment, which affects their ability to operate under certain conditions. Pilots also make different decisions based on their experience and assessment of the situation. Some pilots may determine it’s safe to fly, while others may choose to delay or cancel the flight. Air traffic controllers can also limit the number of flights due to safety concerns, leading to further disruptions. 

Conclusion

When weather conditions are the cause of flight cancellations or delays, airlines typically aren’t required to offer compensation. Factors such as strong winds, low visibility, or other weather-related issues can affect how and whether a flight can operate. Understanding these factors can help manage expectations when disruptions occur. If your flight is canceled or delayed due to weather, compensation is unlikely to be granted, but knowing the reasons behind it can provide some clarity.