Extraordinary Circumstances: When Airline Excuses Don't Work
'Extraordinary circumstances' is the airline's favourite excuse — and the most abused one. Many rejections are legally wrong. Here's how to tell a valid excuse from an invalid one.
Genuinely extraordinary
Severe weather (hurricanes, volcanic ash, heavy snow closing the airport), air-traffic-control strikes, political instability, security threats, bird strikes that damage the aircraft.
Even then, the airline must PROVE the circumstance and that it took all reasonable measures — the burden of proof is on them, not you.
NOT extraordinary (compensation still due)
Technical problems and maintenance issues — courts rule these are part of normal airline operations.
Strikes by the airline's OWN staff (pilots, cabin crew) — the ECJ ruled these are within the airline's control. Crew sickness, late incoming aircraft, and 'operational reasons' are also not extraordinary.
How to challenge a rejection
Ask the airline for the specific reason in writing and the evidence. Compare it against the lists above.
If the excuse is invalid, reply citing the relevant court rulings (e.g. ECJ case C-195/17 for staff strikes). No result? Escalate to the National Enforcement Body or ADR scheme — free for passengers.