Strike days: what you can still claim when air traffic control walks out

Strike days are bad days to fly. Fewer flights get through, and the ones that do are often late. Here’s what you’re owed.

Whose strike is it?

This matters more than anything else.

Who is on strike	Compensation?
Air traffic controllers	Usually no: it’s outside the airline’s control
Airport staff (security, baggage)	Usually no, for the same reason
The airline’s own pilots or crew	Usually yes: the EU court has said this is part of running an airline

The airline has to tell you the reason. If it just says “strike”, ask whose.

What you’re owed whatever happens

Even when there’s no compensation, the airline must look after you:

• Meals and drinks once you’ve waited 2 hours (flights under 1,500 km), 3 hours (1,500–3,500 km) or 4 hours (longer flights).
• A hotel and transport to it if you have to stay overnight.
• If your flight is cancelled: the choice of a full refund, or another flight to your destination as soon as possible or at a later date that suits you.
• If the delay reaches 5 hours: the right not to travel and get a refund.

If the airline doesn’t provide food or a hotel, buy what’s reasonable, keep the receipts and claim the money back.

Tips for a strike day

1. Check before you leave home. Strikes are usually announced in advance and airlines often cancel the day before.
2. Ask about rerouting. Flights that avoid the affected airspace may still be running, even with another airline.
3. Keep everything in writing. Messages, emails, receipts.

What if it was “ATC restrictions” and not a strike?

That’s a different situation. Since the October 2026 EU court ruling, general ATC restrictions are no longer an automatic excuse for EU261 flights.