What’s happening in European air traffic?
On August 24, 2026, the European air sector is facing significant disruptions due to a failure in the UK air traffic control combined with a fuel shortage for aircraft. These combined factors have already caused over 2,100 delays on flights across Europe.
The dysfunction in UK air traffic control (ATC), one of the key hubs for European flights, has limited the capacity to manage the flow of aircraft safely and efficiently. At the same time, supply chain issues affecting fuel availability have reduced the supply of jet fuel, creating further operational constraints.
These events impact many European airports as well as the United Kingdom. Among the most at-risk airports are:
Both airports represent essential hubs for European and intercontinental traffic flows, and flights direct or connecting through these airports may face significant cancellations or delays.
Which flights and airports are most at risk?
The flights most exposed to delays or cancellations include those operated by carriers based in the UK, or connections to London Heathrow and Rome Fiumicino airports, among others. Low-cost and short-haul flights may be less affected, but no disruption is excluded across Europe given the widespread nature of the problem.
Carriers such as Ryanair (FR) and easyJet (U2) operate numerous flights to/from these airports and therefore many of their passengers could be impacted.
Passenger rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
It is important to remember that in case of extended delays or cancellations, passengers have rights protected by Regulation EU261, applicable to European airlines and flights departing from or arriving at EU airports.
What does EU261 provide?
- Refund or re-routing: If the flight is cancelled or delayed more than 5 hours, the passenger can choose to get a refund or be rebooked on an alternative flight.
- Financial compensation: if the arrival delay exceeds 3 hours and the cause is attributable to the airline (excluding force majeure cases like ATC failures), the passenger may be entitled to compensation up to 600 euros.
- Assistance: meals, drinks, and hotel accommodation if necessary during the wait.
However, events such as technical failures of air traffic control are considered extraordinary circumstances and can exclude compensation payments while maintaining the right to assistance.
Practical advice for travelers
If you have a flight in the coming days to or from European airports like LHR or FCO, we recommend:
- Check flight status: regularly consult the official airline and airport websites.
- Be flexible: consider travel alternatives, including flights from nearby airports or alternative routes.
- Arrive at the airport well in advance: controls and procedures may take longer due to congested traffic.
- Prepare for waiting: bring books, fully charged electronic devices, snacks, and water.
- Verify your rights: in case of delay or cancellation, contact the airline customer service and keep track of all communications and receipts.
- Consider alternative transport: trains or buses can be an option for some European routes.
Sources
Want to know if your next flight is at risk? Check your flight risk on FlightGuard.
