Why Is My Flight Delayed? Common Causes and Your Rights to Compensation
Arriving at the airport only to discover your flight has been delayed or cancelled can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Flight disruptions can throw your plans into chaos, lead to financial losses, and leave you uncertain about when or how you’ll reach your destination. While delays are undoubtedly inconvenient, it’s important to remember that in certain situations, you may be entitled to compensation for your troubles.
This article explores the five most common reasons flights are delayed and explains when you might be eligible for compensation.
1. Adverse Weather Conditions
Bad weather is one of the leading causes of flight delays. Severe storms, thick fog, heavy snowfall, or strong winds can make it unsafe to operate an aircraft. Airlines prioritize passenger safety, which means flights are often delayed until conditions improve.
Unfortunately, delays caused by adverse weather conditions are classified as “extraordinary circumstances,” meaning they are beyond the airline’s control. In such cases, you are not eligible for compensation. While it’s disappointing, safety always comes first.
2. Technical Issues
Another common reason for flight delays is technical problems with the aircraft. Planes require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to fly. Even minor issues can delay a flight while technicians work to resolve them. If the problem cannot be fixed quickly, passengers may need to transfer to a different aircraft, causing further delays.
The good news is that technical issues are the airline’s responsibility. If your flight is delayed due to a technical fault, you are entitled to compensation under EU regulations.
3. Security Concerns
In cases of security threats, such as terrorist risks, political conflicts, or other events that endanger passengers or crew, authorities may delay flights as a precaution. Airspace may be restricted or closed entirely, preventing flights from departing on time.
While these delays are frustrating, they are also considered extraordinary circumstances, meaning you are not eligible for compensation. Safety and security must always take precedence over punctuality.
4. Operational Issues
Operational delays occur when certain processes don’t run according to schedule. These can include:
- Passenger boarding and disembarkation
- Baggage handling
- Aircraft cleaning and refueling
Airlines are responsible for ensuring these tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Even minor disruptions to these operations can result in significant delays.
If your flight is delayed due to operational reasons, you are entitled to compensation, as these issues fall under the airline’s control.
5. Employee Strikes
Strikes within the aviation industry are not uncommon and can cause widespread delays. Whether due to disputes over wages, working conditions, or other grievances, strikes can disrupt operations and lead to significant schedule changes.
Under EU regulations, strikes are classified as extraordinary circumstances. As a result, airlines are not required to compensate passengers for delays caused by employee strikes.
Your Rights as a Passenger
While flight delays can be frustrating, understanding the cause of the delay can help you determine whether you’re eligible for compensation:
- Eligible for Compensation: Delays due to technical issues or operational reasons are the airline’s responsibility.
- Not Eligible for Compensation: Delays caused by adverse weather, security concerns, or employee strikes fall outside the airline’s control.
If you believe you’re entitled to compensation, platforms like Aireclaim can assist in filing and managing your claim.
Remember, even in the face of disruption, knowing your rights can help ease the frustration and ensure you’re treated fairly.
