Heathrow closures: How to get reimbursed for delays in travel

Over 1,300 flights have been canceled or delayed as a result of Heathrow's forced closure due to a fire

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, what compensation are you entitled to?

Although March is thought to be the most costly month to travel, thousands of flights at Heathrow have been canceled or delayed, leaving some unfortunate passengers who already can't handle high prices even more dissatisfied.

Travel around the world has been disrupted by a major power outage at the airport due to a fire that started last night at an electrical substation near Heathrow in Hayes, west London.

Tens of thousands of passengers will be impacted as the outage continues to disrupt over 1,300 flights.

On March 21, Heathrow, the busiest airport in the United Kingdom, will be closed all day, according to a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

There is a major power outage at Heathrow due to a fire at an electrical substation that supplies the airport. In order to ensure the security of our travelers and coworkers, Heathrow will be closed until 23:59 on March 21. Passengers are cautioned against going to the airport on March 21, 2025 photo . twitter . com/7SWNJP8.

In the event that Heathrow is closed today, contact your airline to inquire about possible alternate flights.

"You have the right to substitute flights if the airport closure has affected you. Under European Air Passenger Rights Regulations, you may be entitled to reimbursement for additional expenses like lodging and meals in many situations. But it's crucial to check with your airline to find out exactly what you'll be paid back," says Guy Anker, director of ComparetheMarket.

You should also see if you are covered by your travel insurance. "Unusual events, like what transpired at Heathrow, may cause the process to move more slowly than usual, so it's critical to comprehend your rights with your airline and insurer.

The following information will help you get compensation for travel delays, regardless of whether they were caused by the closure of Heathrow Airport or something else.

How to get reimbursed for cancellations and delays in travel.

In the unlikely event that your flight is delayed while you are at the airport, your airline might have to pay for some expenses. This covers costs for food, beverages, and even phone calls to notify loved ones of changes in your journey, as was previously mentioned. Before your rescheduled flight, they might also need to arrange lodging if an overnight stay turns out to be necessary.

Airlines are required to make sure passengers arrive at their destination as quickly as possible under European air passengers' rights regulations. You are entitled to meals and lodging if you are stranded overseas until you can be flown home.

The minimum delay for flights under 1,500 kilometers must be two hours. Flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers must have a minimum three-hour delay. The delay has to be at least four hours for flights over 3,500 kilometers. You can keep the receipts for the money you spent and later claim it back from the airline, but the airline should give you vouchers for this directly.

If you choose luxury options, you won't receive your money back because the airline will only reimburse reasonable expenses.

Should the airline be at fault for the flight being more than three hours late (i.e., not an exceptional circumstance), you should be eligible for reimbursement. Once more, the amount of compensation will change depending on how long the delay lasted and how far you flew.

You are eligible to receive 220 in compensation for flights under 1,500 kilometers with a minimum three-hour delay. If a flight is delayed by at least three hours and is between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, you are eligible to receive 350 reimbursement. Flights over 3,500 kilometers with delays under four hours are eligible for 260. For delays longer than four hours, this rises to 520. You can request a complete refund if the flight is delayed by more than five hours.

If the flight is canceled, the airline must either pay for a replacement flight or offer a complete refund. You are entitled to compensation, though the amounts can vary greatly, if the replacement flight delays you by more than two hours and you are given less than two weeks' notice.

The compensation amount in each instance is per person.

If the airline is a part of an alternative dispute resolution scheme, you might be able to take your complaint there if they are unhelpful with your claim or you believe you have not been treated fairly. If not, you can bring it to the CAA.

What compensation is available for mistakes made by air traffic control or problems that are out of the airline's control?

While airlines dont have to pay out financial compensation for, say, airport power cuts or air traffic control errors, because it is not deemed as their fault they do have to do other things, says consumer rights expert Martyn James.

"The airline must still make an effort to get you to your destination even though you don't get monetary compensation for delays or cancellation like you would if the airline was at fault," James says. If they are unable to place you on their own flight, they may place you on a competitor's flight instead.

In the event that you still wish to leave, carefully consider asking for a complete reimbursement. "Since flights are more costly if you purchase them on the day or within 48 hours, you might discover that your refund takes longer to process or that the money doesn't go very far. You might be better off asking the airline to put you on the next flight that comes up.

According to the CAA, even if a flight is offered on a competitor airline, passengers must book it if it is available on the day of travel.

If you are unable to reach the airline, James advises, "check the options online, take screenshots, and if you can't contact the airline, make notes of what you did to try, then buy direct." If the airline declines to pay, you might have additional rights with your credit card company later on if you use one.

You may also be eligible for transportation to and from the airport, lodging, food and drink vouchers, and the cost of calls to inform others about the situation.

I purchased a vacation package, but my flight has been canceled.

What privileges do I have? You run the risk of having your entire vacation canceled or rescheduled if you have a package deal and your flight is canceled.

As per a representative for Claims . co . uk, you have the option to request a complete reimbursement, a change of the trip's destination, or even compensation from the airline in this case.

You will not be eligible for reimbursement if the flight is delayed or cancelled because of an unforeseen circumstance.

Nevertheless, based on the duration of your wait and delay, the airline is required to offer you extra services (see information above).

"It is recommended that you get in touch with your travel agency right away to discuss your options if you are at the airport when the flight is canceled," Claims Dot Co Dot UK continues.

"The travel agency must provide an alternate vacation if at all possible, or a refund of the entire package price, not just the flight portion, if your flight cannot be rescheduled and your entire vacation must be canceled.

Verify whether there are any change fees for rescheduling waived by the travel agency.
Some operators might impose fees for changing travel dates, which could impact your decision.