Lance 18.05.2025
Good helpful advice as looked into for cancellation of flight
Bird Strike Delays: Are You Entitled to Flight Compensation?
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, roughly 19,700 bird strikes were recorded in the United States in 2023. Not only that, but 357 injuries were attributed to wildlife strikes from 1990 to 2023.
Airlines around the world spend an estimated $3.3 billion annually on bird strikes, with almost 90% of the costs caused by delays and cancellations. So, if your flight is disrupted because of a bird strike, can you get compensated? Let’s find out.
What is a Bird Strike
A bird strike is a collision between a bird or flock of birds and an aircraft. They usually happen during take off and landing, and they can cause extensive damage to the windshield or engine. So, when a bird strike occurs, the pilot will either return to the departure airport or divert to another airport so that the plane can undergo a safety inspection.
Passengers might be asked to stay on board, but if the damage is too great, they will be asked to disembark so that the plane can be swapped for another one. In other cases, the flight might be cancelled and passengers will be rebooked on later flights.
Are Airlines Responsible for Bird Strikes?
In 2017, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that bird strikes do qualify as an extraordinary circumstance under Regulation EU261. This means that airlines are not responsible for any flight delays or cancellations caused by a bird collision or any knock-on delays that may occur.
The court also added that airlines must still prove that they did everything possible to avoid any delays. So, if you’ve had a bird-strike related flight disruption, you probably won’t be able to claim compensation, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
EASA Wildlife Management Requirements for Airports
Airports in the EU and UK are required to create a Wildlife Hazard Management Program that can assess and mitigate the risks of birds and other wildlife within their vicinity. They are also required to report all bird strikes to either the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or EASA to help these organizations see which airports and bird species face the most risk.
Any airport that doesn’t follow these requirements is subject to fines and even losing their operating certificate.
Strategies Airlines Use to Avoid Birdstrikes
Airlines go to great lengths to avoid birdstrikes because of the safety threats they pose to passengers and aircraft alike. Generally, airports near marshlands, migratory routes, and coastal areas have the most trouble with birdstrikes.
To better manage wildlife in these areas, some airports will plant certain species of grass that birds find less attractive for feeding and nesting. They also try to scare birds away by using propane cannons, pyrotechnics, or even releasing hawks and falcons to fly over runway areas.
Technologically speaking, airlines use radar, AI, and various monitoring devices to get live reads on bird movements, and modern aircraft are routinely tested to ensure they can withstand any collisions with birds or other wildlife. Using these various tools, pilots can adjust their flight path, especially during periods of heavy bird activity.
If your flight was delayed, canceled or overbooked within the last 3 years, you could be eligible for up to €600 in compensationCheck Your Flight
What Happens When Your Flight is Disrupted by a Bird Strike
If your flight is delayed or cancelled following a bird strike, here’s what you can expect from the airline according to the rules of EU and UK261.
- Food and refreshment if you have to wait 2 or more hours for departure
- A rebooking at no extra cost or a refund if your flight is cancelled or delayed for 5+ hours
- Free access to communication (2 free calls, emails, wi-fi)
- Hotel lodging and related transportation if you have to wait overnight.
Pro Tip: While compensation for bird strikes is unlikely, passengers should always request meals, accommodation, and rebooking from the airline. If an airline refuses, citing extraordinary circumstances, knowing your rights can help you negotiate better assistance. - Anton Radchenko, Esq., International Passenger Rights Lawyer.
Here are a few examples of what would happen in practice if a bird strike happened to your flight.
Example #1 - Birdstrike in the UK
A Ryanair flight from London to Madrid is delayed because of a birdstrike. Because the flight involved the UK and the EU, passengers are protected by both UK261 and UK261. This means that they won't be eligible for cash compensation, since bird strikes are an extraordinary circumstance. However, they do receive meal and refreshment vouchers to use until their flight is underway.
Example #2 - Birdstrike in the EU
An Air France flight from Paris to Berlin is cancelled because of a bird strike. Because the flight is between two airports in the EU, passengers are protected by EU261 regulations. As a result, they are offered the choice of a replacement flight or a refund, as well as meal vouchers, access to free communication, and hotel accommodation, if their rebooked flight does not depart until the following day.
Steps to Take if Your Flight is Affected by a Bird Strike
- Ask the airline for written confirmation about what caused the flight disruption.
- Request care and assistance, like meal vouchers.
- Ask the airline to give you a replacement flight if you’ve had a cancellation.
- Collect receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses.
- Check with your travel insurance to see if they will help cover the costs associated with the bird strike.
- Check to see if your flight could be eligible for compensation by using a Compensation Calculator.
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