Liverpool John Lennon Airport Flights Cancelled: What Compensation Are Passengers Owed?

The bitterly cold weather on Merseyside on January 5 caused significant disruption. Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) closed its runway. This was necessary for maintenance crews to clear snow and ice. The closure led to numerous flight delays and cancellations throughout the day. The runway reopened later in the afternoon. However, flight schedules remained subject to further disruption.

This event raises important questions about UK flight delay compensation.

Understanding Compensation Eligibility

Flights departing from a UK airport are covered by UK law. This is known as UK Regulation 261 (UK 261). This law mirrors the European Union's EC 261/2004 regulation. Passengers may be entitled to compensation. This applies if their flight arrives three hours or more later than scheduled. The delay must be the airline's fault. Claims can be made for flights flown in the past six years.

The Extraordinary Circumstances Rule

Compensation is not due if the delay is caused by extraordinary circumstances. This refers to events outside the airline's control. Examples include political unrest or security risks. Crucially, wintry weather conditions and bad weather are often classified as extraordinary circumstances. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirms this. Airlines must prove the weather was genuinely exceptional. They must also show they took all reasonable measures. Heavy snow may be expected in winter. Therefore, airlines must demonstrate adequate preparation. This is a key factor in any claim. For the LJLA delays, the cause was the runway closure operational safety. This suggests the delay was outside the airline's control.

Passenger Rights to Assistance

Even when extraordinary circumstances rule applies, passengers have rights. The airline must provide care and assistance. This duty begins after a certain delay threshold. The threshold depends on the flight distance. For delays of two hours or more, airlines must provide food and drink. They must also offer access to phone calls and emails. If a flight is delayed overnight, the airline must provide accommodation. They must also cover journeys between the airport and the hotel.

If the airline does not offer this assistance, passengers should keep receipts. They can then claim reimbursement later.

Potential Compensation Amounts

If the delay is found to be the airline's fault, compensation is set by law. The amount is determined by the flight distance:

• £220 for flights under 1,500km (short-haul flight delay).
• £350 for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km.
• £520 for flights over 3,500km.

Passengers delayed by five hours or more can choose a full refund. They do not have to take the flight. This refund must be processed within seven days. This is an important right for affected travellers. For more commercial aviation news and updates, visit flying.flights. The EU's aviation safety body, EASA, provides oversight on many operational standards. These standards help minimize delays caused by non-weather factors.