Flight cancellations at Heathrow and Gatwick: what’s happening?
On June 28, 2026, the main London airports of Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) are experiencing a significant wave of cancellations that has left about 40,000 passengers stranded.
The causes of this disruption are related to operational and staffing issues that have led to a drastic reduction in departing and arriving flights. In particular, the increase in absences among ground and flight personnel, combined with unexpected technical problems, has forced many airlines to cancel scheduled routes.
This disruption event (impact level 3/5) is causing prolonged queues, significant delays, and general confusion among passengers in transit or waiting to depart from these two crucial hubs for European air traffic.
Flights and airports at risk
Passengers with bookings at the following airports are most at risk of cancellations or delays:
The airlines most involved are those operating flights to and from these airports, particularly Ryanair (FR) and EasyJet (U2), which cover many domestic and European routes.
If your flight departs from or arrives at one of these airports, it is advisable to constantly monitor the flight status and prepare for any last-minute changes.
Passenger rights according to EU261 regulation
According to the European regulation EU261, passengers affected by cancellations or long delays are entitled to:
- Full refund of the ticket in case of cancellation without rebooking
- Rebooking on alternative flights as soon as possible
- Assistance (meals, drinks, communications) during the wait
- Financial compensation, unless the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., extreme weather conditions).
In this specific case, if the cancellation is attributable to internal causes such as staffing or technical problems, compensation may be due. We recommend always verifying with the airline and consulting the regulation details.
Practical advice for passengers
If you are traveling through Heathrow or Gatwick these days, here are some useful recommendations:
- Check the flight status frequently: use the airline’s website or official app for real-time updates.
- Arrive at the airport well in advance: to manage any rebooking or assistance procedures.
- Prepare for long waits: bring snacks, water, and mobile devices with charged batteries.
- Consider alternative airports: in extreme cases, you might consider alternative hubs like London Stansted (STN) or London Luton (LTN) for rebooking or future flights.
- Know your rights: inform yourself about procedures to request refunds or compensation.
- Stay calm and be polite: airport staff and airlines are trying to manage a very complex situation.
Sources
Want to know if your next flight is at risk? Check your flight risk on FlightGuard.
