What happens if your flight is cancelled or delayed?
23/02/2026
Last Updated: 18/02/2026
Read time: 6 minutes
Written by: Deirbhile Coyle
Insurance Writer
Reviewed by: Mark McKeown
Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines
Protect your holiday plans with our tips for flight disruptions
Holidaymakers from the UK are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with their rights in the event of any delays or cancellations at airports this year, following a challenging period for air travel. Last year, holidaymakers faced disruptions from air traffic controller strikes and severe weather across Europe. On top of these industry challenges, air traffic across Europe grew by 3.7% in 2025, putting even more pressure on airlines and airports*.
Thankfully, in 2025, there was a much-welcome reduction in flight cancellations, despite these challenges, with only 0.61% of flights affected.* Due to a decrease in cancellations, there were significantly more delays reported. The number of reported delays increased by 54% in 2025.*
The aviation experts at ACI have projected that airports across Europe will have just as much growth in 2026 as in 2025.** So, if you’re planning to travel this year, it’s a good idea to know your rights when it comes to any flight delays or cancellations you could face.
What to do if your flight is cancelled?
This is the last thing you want to happen when your bags are packed and you’re ready to start your holiday. But cancellations do happen; knowing how to act and what you’re covered for will help keep the holiday spirits up until you make it to your chosen destination.
Thankfully, passengers legally have the right to request a full refund from the airline or a replacement flight, which will allow travellers to get to their destination.
Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?
Most travel insurance policies cover cancelled flights, but there are usually some exclusions. If your airline compensates you for cancellations directly, your travel insurance will not cover that. Additionally, if the airline provides an alternative flight within 24 hours of your original departure time, you will not be able to claim for the delay. Before you head off, be sure to read your travel insurance policy details so you know what you’re covered for ahead of time.
What to do if your flight is delayed?
If 2025 reports are anything to go by, delays can happen, especially when you have a long day of travel planned. Unfortunately, what you can do to make your travel experience better will depend on how long you are delayed.
What to do if your flight has a long delay?
If you face a long delay that lasts for five or more hours, all passengers are entitled to delayed flight compensation, full refunds, or a replacement trip. With a delay this long, you don’t have to take the delayed flight. If you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full refund, and a full refund for any flights in the same booking and airline that you will no longer be using. This could be your flight home or any onward travel you have planned.
If you choose to take the delayed flight, then you can usually claim up to £520 for compensation, but only if the delay is down to the airline’s fault.*** Unfortunately, you most likely won’t get any compensation if the delay was out of the airline’s control, like bad weather or security issues.
How to claim compensation for a delayed flight for 5 or more hours?
If you have travel disruption coverage included in your policy, you may be able to claim any additional costs that you cannot recover from the airline you booked with. To support your claim with your insurance provider, make sure to gather all evidence of the costs you incurred and any disruptions to your travel plans. So, remember to keep your receipts and check your policy details beforehand.
What to do if your flight has a short delay?
For a short delay, you can usually claim compensation if your cancelled or delayed flight means you face a delay of two hours to your arrival. (Keep in mind that airlines will rarely give out compensation if a delay was caused due to reasons beyond their control – such as adverse weather conditions).
How much compensation are you entitled to for a delayed flight?
What you’re entitled to from your airline will depend on how long the short delay is and the distance of your planned flight. You might find that for short delays, your airline will give you vouchers to help towards additional food costs while waiting at the airport for longer than you expected.
If you face a delay that’s over 2-3 hours, you will usually be eligible for additional compensation. But it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with your airline’s specific policy for flight disruptions, as they can vary between carriers.
What happens if you must cancel your flight for a personal emergency?
If you are unable to travel due to a medical emergency or a family bereavement, your travel insurance could help to cover the costs, but you should be sure to take out the insurance policy at the same time as you book your trip.
What happens if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to weather disruptions?
If you face cancellations or lengthy delays due to severe weather, unfortunately, airlines can’t control the weather and aren’t held responsible for all the additional charges you could face. If your flight is cancelled, you should be offered a refund or rescheduled for another time. But be sure to read your terms and conditions when booking your flight to know what your airline will cover and compensate you for in these circumstances.
Weather disruptions do happen, and you could face additional costs outside of your flight, for example, if you have a hotel booked or a connecting flight with a separate airline. This is where travel insurance with disruption cover in place can help protect you from facing any unforeseen costs during or before your trip.
At Quotezone, our travel insurance comparison tool can help you find the right policy with the level of cover you need for your next adventure. All you have to do is fill out one simple form, and we will compare quotes for you, sharing the best and cheapest options for your personal needs first. Get your quotes today and start planning your next getaway!
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