Monday, 2nd March 2026
As the scale of the Middle East airspace closure becomes clear, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has taken the rare step of issuing a dedicated briefing for passengers caught in the turmoil. With tensions high at UK check-in desks, the regulator is seeking to manage expectations regarding compensation while doubling down on the legal requirement for “Duty of Care.”
The “Extraordinary Circumstances” Ruling
What happened: The CAA has formally classified the current airspace closures as “extraordinary circumstances” under UK261 (the British version of the original EU flight compensation rules).
The Legal Reality: This means that airlines are not legally required to pay out fixed cash compensation (the usual £220 to £520 per person). Because the disruption is caused by geopolitical conflict and government-mandated airspace closures, it is deemed beyond the airline’s “actual control.”
The “Duty of Care” is Non-Negotiable
While cash compensation is off the table, the CAA has issued a stern warning to carriers: the Duty of Care remains absolute. Regardless of why a flight is cancelled, if you are flying from a UK airport (or on a UK/EU carrier back to the UK), the airline must provide:
- Alternative Transport: You must be offered a choice between a full refund or re-routing to your final destination at the “earliest opportunity.”
- Food and Drink: Vouchers must be provided after a delay of two hours (short-haul) or four hours (long-haul).
- Accommodation: If your re-routed flight is the next day, the airline must provide hotel accommodation and transport to get you there.
Local Relevance: The Struggle at UK Terminals
At Heathrow and Manchester, reports have surfaced of passengers being told to “go home and call the helpline.” The CAA has clarified that this is unacceptable. If an airline cannot provide a hotel room because they are overwhelmed, passengers are permitted to book their own “reasonable” accommodation and claim it back.
Expert Tip: “Reasonable” is the operative word. The CAA warns that if you book a suite at the Savoy because your flight to Dubai was cancelled, you will likely only be reimbursed for the cost of a standard mid-range hotel. Keep every itemised receipt—credit card statements are often not enough for a successful claim.
Context: The Role of Travel Insurance
Many travellers are discovering that their “standard” insurance policies do not cover “Force Majeure” or “Civil Unrest.” This crisis highlights a growing gap in the travel insurance market. For those currently stranded, the first port of call must be the airline. If the airline fails to provide the required care, passengers should document everything and prepare for a formal complaint to the CAA’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme upon their return.
