Real-time updates and important information for passengers experiencing delays or cancellations at Birmingham Airport.
So, you’ve arrived at Birmingham Airport, and there’s a problem. Your flight is either delayed or cancelled, throwing a wrench into your travel plans. While you wait to continue on, it’s good to know your air passenger rights related to Regulation UK261.
This regulation, and the similar regulation, EU261, offer compensation for flight interruptions and the right to care while you’re stuck at Birmingham Airport. This ranges from meals and hotel accommodation to payouts of between £220 and £520.
AirAdvisor helps passengers who have experienced a Birmingham Airport disruption get what they’re owed. Since 2017, our airline compensation experts have been helping travellers hold airports and airlines accountable to get the maximum compensation possible.
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Birmingham Airport – Passenger Rights
With UK261, passengers can claim the following, depending on the circumstances:
- Compensation up to £520
- Assistance in the form of meals, communication, hotel stays, and transport
- Flight refunds
Delays Exceeding 3 Hours
If a flight from Birmingham Airport is delayed by at least 3 hours, UK261 is triggered. The payout amount will depend on the flight distance, the total delay length, and the cause of the Birmingham Airport delay.
Flight Cancellations & Refunds
If a Birmingham Airport flight is cancelled, UK261 also mandates compensation, which depends on the cancellation notification period. In addition, the total interruption time, flight distance, and root cause are also factors.
First, when a Birmingham Airport flight gets cancelled, passengers are entitled to a replacement flight or a refund, regardless of the cancellation timeframe or reason. Compensation is also possible when passengers are notified of the cancellation fewer than 14 days before the scheduled flight.
But not all re-routed flights are eligible. For example, the airline does not have to issue compensation under regulation UK261 if:
- Notice is given between 7 and 14 days, and the replacement flight leaves no more than 2 hours before and arrives less than 4 hours after the original.
- Notice is less than 7 days, and the new flight departs no more than 1 hour before and lands less than 2 hours after the original.
Lost Luggage at Birmingham Airport
When checking baggage at Birmingham Airport, if it’s not returned within 21 days, it’s considered lost, and passengers can claim up to £1,600. This depends on the value of the items inside and whether the flight route was international or domestic.
Passenger Rights in Case of Birmingham Airport Flight Delays
Passengers are eligible for cash compensation when a Birmingham Airport flight is delayed by at least 3 hours. And, while waiting at the airport, airlines are required to keep you comfortable, referred to as the right to care. You can get the following, based on the Birmingham Airport wait time and flight distance:
Wait Time | Flight Distance | Right to Care |
2 hours or more | Under 1,500km | Refreshments + communication |
3 hours or more | Between 1,500km & 3,500km | Refreshments + communication |
4 hours or more | Over 3,500km | Refreshments + communication |
Overnight delay | N/A | Refreshments + communication; hotel stay + ground transport to/from hotel |
Birmingham Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Getting an airline to pay out Birmingham Airport delay compensation can be tricky. It’s crucial to keep all documents. Hold on to your boarding pass and get the reason for the delay in writing whenever possible.
Make sure you file your Birmingham Airport flight delay compensation claim in time. In England, passengers have 6 years from the interruption to make a claim.
Delayed Flight Requirements for Compensation
- Your flight departs from Birmingham Airport on any airline; or
- Your flight arrives at Birmingham Airport on an EU or UK-based airline; and
- The flight is delayed by 3 hours+; and
- The airline is the cause of the delay
How Much Can You Claim for Birmingham Airport Delays
It’s simple, the maximum compensation is based on the overall flight distance:
- Up to 1,500 km: £220
- 1,500 km to 3,500 km: £350
- Over 3,500 km: £520*
*Note that for flights over 3,500km, if the delay is between 3 and 4 hours, airlines will attempt to reduce this to £260. At AirAdvisor, we always go for the maximum amount.
The Birmingham Airport UK261 Cancelled Flight Law
Like with delays, passengers can claim up to £520 for cancelled flights at Birmingham Airport. As long as a passenger received less than 14 days' notice, the flight cancellation is directly caused by the airline, and if there’s a delay reaching the final destination, UK261 applies.
Birmingham Airport Cancelled Flight Compensation & Refund
Departing flights cancelled at Birmingham Airport are leaving from a UK-based airport, so they meet the requirement for UK261. For a flight arriving at Birmingham Airport, it must either be with a UK or EU airline or originate in the UK or EU on another airline.
Cancelled Flight Requirements for Compensation
To claim up to the maximum of £520, a Birmingham Airport cancelled flight must:
- Depart from the UK on any airline
- Arrive in the UK on an EU or UK airline
- Be cancelled with less than 14 days' notice
Can I Get a Refund for my Flight from Birmingham Airport?
Yes, passengers can get a full refund or choose to re-book if a cancelled flight departs from Birmingham Airport. Additionally, once a flight is delayed by 5 hours or more, passengers can choose not to continue travelling and get a refund.
Birmingham Airport Cancelled Flight Compensation You Can Claim
The amount of Birmingham Airport flight cancellation compensation that passengers can claim differs based on when the flight is cancelled. Other factors include the flight distance and the delay time of the replacement flight compared to the original one:
Flights Cancelled Within 7 to 14 Days
Flight Distance | Less than 2 hours | 2 – 3 hours | 3 – 4 hours | More than 4 hours |
1,500km or less | £110 | £220 | £220 | £220 |
1,500km to 3,500km | £175 | £175 | £350 | £350 |
Over 3,500km | £260 | £260 | £260 | £520 |
Flights Cancelled Within 7 days
Flight Distance | Delay @ Final Destination | Compensation |
1,500km or less | 2 hours + | £220 |
1,500km to 3,500km | 3 hours + | £350 |
Over 3,500km | Less than 4 hours | £260* |
Over 3,500km | 4 hours + | £520 |
Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Baggage at Birmingham Airport
Not only do passengers have protection for flight interruptions, but lost, damaged, or delayed baggage may also entitle passengers to compensation up to £1,600.
- Claim up to £1,000 on domestic UK flights
- Claim up to £1,600 on international flights from the UK
- Prove the value of the luggage contents with receipts
- For delayed baggage, airlines will cover the bare essentials
- Prove damage with photos
Birmingham Airport Delays & Cancellations: Top Reasons
Birmingham Airport flights can be disrupted for many reasons. This can be anything from exceptionally long queues to severe windstorms.
Air Traffic Control Restrictions at Birmingham Airport
ATC is an absolutely crucial service at any airport, so when there are restrictions, planes get backed up, causing cascading delays and potential cancellations.
Airline Operational Issues
Airlines can have problems with scheduling, aircraft issues, and staff shortages that will trigger cascading delays and cancellations.
EasyJet, for example, experienced a crew shortage in 2022, as the aviation industry began to rebound from COVID. To address this, the airline is actually removing seats from some planes to fly with fewer crew members by limiting passengers to 150.
Strikes at Birmingham Airport
When an entire group goes on strike, it causes chaos at any airport and often requires blanket flight cancellations. Birmingham Airport is fairly reliable as there have been no recent strikes, although two were called off at the eleventh hour in 2023 for plane refuellers and security staff.
Country-wide strikes can also affect flights. In April 2025, mass cancellations to destinations in Italy and Greece affected thousands of passengers.
Delays / Cancellations due to Bad Weather Conditions at Birmingham Airport
Severe weather, such as snowstorms, high winds, and fog, can delay and cancel flights. Luckily, Birmingham Airport does not encounter many weather-related interruptions overall.
Other Incidents at Birmingham Airport
Although less common, passengers may also experience disruptions due to security threats, runway closures, or technical problems within the airport.
Birmingham Airport interruptions can either be due to extraordinary circumstances, which are outside the airline’s control, or something caused by the airline. When extraordinary circumstances, like airport strikes and poor weather, are the cause, UK261 compensation is not payable.
Top 5 Airlines Affected by Delays & Cancellations at Birmingham Airport
In 2024, Birmingham Airport had the second-worst average delay of any airport in the UK (Gatwick was the worst), and these airlines had the highest number of delays and cancellations:
Claim Birmingham Airport Flight Compensation With AirAdvisor
When you’ve experienced an annoying cancellation or delay, it’s easy to file a claim with AirAdvisor. In fact, it takes less than 5 minutes. Here’s how to proceed:
- Gather your documents: This includes boarding passes, any airline or airport written correspondence, and proof of the interruption.
- Submit the claim: File a claim online here. Enter the details of your flight and add your contact details. Then, attach your supporting documents and submit.
- Sit back and relax: We’ll process everything for you and communicate back and forth with the airline. Claims are typically resolved successfully in 4-6 weeks.
File your Birmingham Airport compensation claim ASAP to get what you’re owed. Don’t risk forgetting to make the claim or losing important details and documents!
Claim with AirAdvisor and get up to €600 compensationFind out how much you’re owed today.Check Your Flight
Birmingham Airport Questions and Answers
Airport Compensation
When a flight from Birmingham Airport is delayed or cancelled, airlines are required to issue compensation up to £520, subject to certain criteria.
Passengers can claim a max of £520 for departing Birmingham Airport flights that are delayed at least 3 hours or are cancelled with fewer than 14 days’ notice.
Compensation ranges from £220 for short-haul flights to £520 for long-haul flights.
Go to AirAdvisor, fill out the details of the incident and your contact info, attach supporting docs, and click submit.
Yes and no. All flights departing from Birmingham Airport, regardless of the airline, are eligible for UK261 compensation. But, flights arriving at Birmingham Airport must be with a UK or EU-based airline to qualify.
Yes. As long as the airline is responsible for the initial delay, passengers can claim up to £520 in missed connection compensation for delays at the final destination of 3 hours or more.
In England, you have 6 years from the disruption date.
Keep your boarding pass, flight details, and any airport or airline correspondence proving the interruption. Ideally, take a photo of the departure board displaying the delay or cancellation.
Airport Delays
What should I do if my flight is delayed at Birmingham Airport?
Don’t panic. Request refreshments and accommodations from the airline, where applicable. Gather your documents to make a compensation claim once the trip is complete.
How long does a flight need to be delayed before I am entitled to compensation?
Birmingham Airport flights that are delayed by at least 3 hours could be eligible for UK 261 compensation.
What assistance am I entitled to during a flight delay at the airport?
Food and drinks plus access to communication must be provided by the airline starting at 2 hours for short-haul flights, 3 hours for medium-haul flights, and 4 hours for long-haul flights. Delayed overnight? The airline must offer a hotel and transport to/from the accommodations.
Can I claim both assistance (food, hotel) and monetary compensation for a delay?
Absolutely, claiming one does not negate the eligibility for the other. Just don’t accept other forms of compensation like travel vouchers.
What are my rights if my flight delay causes me to miss a connecting flight?
If a flight delay causes you to miss a subsequent connecting flight, the airline will re-book you on the next suitable one. If you’re delayed at least 3 hours reaching the final destination, you can also claim up to £520.
Are weather-related delays eligible for compensation?
No, weather is considered an extraordinary circumstance and is not eligible for Birmingham Airport compensation under UK 261.
Airport Cancellations
What should I do if my flight is cancelled at Birmingham Airport?
Re-book on the next available flight right away and prepare to claim between £110 and £520 from the airline.
Am I entitled to compensation if my flight is cancelled?
Yes, provided the airline notified you of the cancellation fewer than 14 days before the scheduled departure and the airline is at fault.
What happens if the airline offers me a replacement flight after cancellation?
If it’s suitable to you, you should accept it to continue your journey. If not, ask for a full refund.
Can I choose a refund instead of rebooking after a cancelled flight?
Yes, the airline should give you that option.
Is compensation different if I was informed of the cancellation in advance?
Yes, compensation varies based on the notice period. When the airline advises you of a cancellation more than 14 days ahead of time, no compensation is possible. Between 7 and 14 days, it ranges from £110 to £520, and less than 7 days, between £220 and £520.
Does a cancellation due to extraordinary circumstances still qualify for compensation?
No, extraordinary circumstances are like a get-out-of-jail-free card for airlines. Although you generally can’t claim UK261 compensation, you still have the right to care while you wait for another flight.
Other Flight Disruptions at Birmingham Airport
What counts as an "airport disruption"?
For compensation purposes, an airport disruption is anything that prevents your flight from operating as normal. For Birmingham Airport UK261 compensation to apply, the cause of the disruption must be directly linked to the airline.
What are my rights during airport disruptions such as strikes or technical failures?
Passengers are entitled to care during delays. The threshold wait time depends on the flight distance, starting at 2 hours. Care includes meals and phone calls, and can extend to hotel stays and transport for overnight delays. Also, if the airline is at fault for the strike or technical issue, claim up to £520.
Who is responsible for compensating passengers during airport disruptions – the airline or the airport?
Regulation UK261 puts the onus on the airline to compensate disrupted passengers.
Can I get compensation for delays caused by airport staff strikes?
Generally, no, other than the right to care, such as drinks, meals, and accommodations. Since the airline has no control over the airport staff, it’s considered an extraordinary circumstance, which is an exception to UK261 compensation.
What if an airport security issue caused my flight to be delayed or cancelled?
The airline will re-book you on another flight at no charge if the flight is cancelled, and if you’re stuck at Birmingham Airport for between 2 to 4 hours (or more), you are entitled to care and assistance.
How can I check if I'm eligible for compensation after a disruption at Birmingham Airport?
Head to the AirAdvisor homepage and click on “Check Compensation” after entering your flight details.
Flight Compensation Calculator:
Check if you are entitled to flight delay compensation in just 3 minutes.
