Flight Cancelled Due to Fuel Shortage? How to Claim Compensation

European airlines have removed around two million seats from their summer schedules since late April 2026, citing soaring jet fuel costs triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis. For passengers affected by these cancellations, the central question is whether airlines can legally refuse compensation by labelling the disruption an "extraordinary circumstance."

On 8 May 2026, the European Commission addressed this question directly: rising fuel prices do not constitute extraordinary circumstances under EU261. This means passengers are still entitled to compensation of up to €600 (£520). 

 EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas made the legal position clear: "Jet fuel prices are not extraordinary circumstances — if airlines cancel flights, they will have to reimburse the people." EU commissioners also noted that if a fuel shortage situation is established, the EU will issue a further guidance. For now, compensation rules still apply. "The overall situation remains table, and at this stage, there is no concrete evidence of fuel shortages", state the guidelines. This means passengers can claim compensation under the European law, if the other conditions are met. 

Can I Claim Compensation for a Cancelled Flight due to Fuel Shortage/Costs?

Airlines still have to pay you compensation if your flight is cancelled due to a fuel crisis. You could be entitled to financial compensation of between €250 (£220) and €600 (£520), depending on your flight distance. This applies when:

• your flight needs to be operated by an EU or UK airline or to have been scheduled to depart from an EU or UK airport;
• the airline must have notified you of the flight cancellation less than 14 days before departure;
• the airline must be responsible for the disruption.

There are, however, a few situations where the airline does not have to pay you cancellation compensation:

• You were told about the cancellation 14 days or more before your original departure date.
• You were told 7 to 13 days before departure, and you were offered an alternative flight that leaves no more than 2 hours early and arrives no more than 4 hours late.
• You were told less than 7 days before departure, and you were offered an alternative flight that leaves no more than 1 hour early and arrives no more than 2 hours late.

In all cases, you are also entitled to:

• A full cash refund of your ticket price if you choose not to travel, or re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity. A voucher is not an adequate substitute unless you actively choose to accept it.
• Meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation while you wait, regardless of the reason given for the cancellation. The right to care applies in all circumstances, even where extraordinary circumstances are claimed.

Learn more about your passenger rights.

What Happens if Your Flight is Cancelled Flight due to Rising Fuel Costs?

You can still claim compensation if your flight is cancelled due to rising fuel costs. If your flight meets one of the conditions below, the airline might give you compensation:

• You can claim up to £520 in compensation if your flight was cancelled within 14 days of departure without a suitable alternative flight.
• The carrier is obligated to pay compensation only if the flight was cancelled due to reasons within the airline's control. 
• The airline has to provide food and drink vouchers and overnight accommodation if necessary. 
  
  

 If you are flying to or from the UK, the same protection applies under UK261. It works much like EU261 and covers flights departing the UK, flights arriving in the UK on a UK or EU airline, and flights on a UK airline arriving in the UK. Compensation can be claimed only if the cancellation is not due to extraordinary circumstances, such as bad weather or strikes beyond the airline's control.

How Much Can You Claim?

Compensation amounts are determined by your flight distance.