British Airways flight cancellation compensation
British Airways is the UK's full-service flag carrier. If your British Airways flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice and it departed the UK or the EU, you're likely entitled to £220–£520 under UK261 or €250–€600 under EU261, set by flight distance, unless the cause was an extraordinary circumstance outside the airline's control. British Airways mainly flies from London Heathrow and London Gatwick. (As of 2026-10-05.)
How much can you claim?
| Flight distance | UK261 | EU261 |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | £220 | €250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | £350 | €400 |
| Over 3,500 km | £520 | €600 |
Fixed amounts by distance. For 3–4 hour delays on the longest band the amount can be halved. Amounts verified 2026-10-05 · sources: CAA, EU Reg 261/2004.
Does UK261 or EU261 apply to British Airways?
British Airways flies a full-service network, so most BA flights from the UK fall under UK261 and most from the EU under EU261.
Common questions about British Airways compensation
Am I entitled to compensation for a cancelled British Airways flight?
Yes, if your British Airways flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice at your final destination, it departed the UK (UK261) or the EU (EU261), and the cause was within British Airways's control. British Airways is the UK's full-service flag carrier, so this covers its typical routes from London Heathrow.
Does UK261 or EU261 apply to British Airways?
British Airways flies a full-service network, so most BA flights from the UK fall under UK261 and most from the EU under EU261.
How much compensation can I get for a cancelled British Airways flight?
Under UK261: £220 up to 1,500 km, £350 for 1,500–3,500 km, £520 over 3,500 km. Under EU261: €250 / €400 / €600 for the same bands. For 3–4 hour delays on the longest band the amount can be halved. Verified 2026-10-05.
What if my British Airways cancellation was caused by weather or a strike?
No compensation is due when the cause was an extraordinary circumstance outside British Airways's control (extreme weather, air traffic control strikes, security risks). It remains due for causes within the airline's control such as routine technical faults or crew scheduling. Check British Airways's stated reason first.
Which airports does British Airways fly from?
British Airways mainly flies from London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Compensation depends on the flight's distance band and whether it departed the UK or EU, not on the specific airport.
How do I claim compensation from British Airways?
You can claim from British Airways for free: contact the airline in writing via its customer-service or flight-disruption page (https://www.britishairways.com), cite UK261/EU261 and your flight details, and if refused escalate to the CAA (UK) or the relevant national enforcement body (EU). A claim agency can do it for a success fee (typically 15–35%).
AmIOwed gives general information, not legal advice. Check British Airways’s stated reason before claiming.
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Related
Also see British Airways flight delay compensation, or the rules: UK261 and EU261.