Why are so many British Airways flights being delayed and cancelled? :My Travel Tips for British Airways Flight Delays and Cancellations
By Flight Expert Mr Plane Guy
As a former aviation insider with over 15 years of experience in the industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand how frequent delays and cancellations can be for major airlines. British Airways (BA), one of the UK's largest and most prestigious carriers, isn’t immune to these disruptions. While they have a solid reputation, the nature of air travel means delays and cancellations are always possible.
The recent wave of cancellations is all down to a shortage of aircraft due to engine problems with Rolls Royce jet engines. Already 5 of their 787 aircraft have been grounded and are awaiting new parts.
With over 11 routes being pulled including the cancellation of London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur which was just 4 weeks away from starting!
British Airways cancels all London Gatwick to New York flights until 2025!
If you’re flying with British Airways, here’s what you need to know about their performance when it comes to flight delays and cancellations—and how to make sure you’re compensated when things go wrong.
British Airways Flight Delays and Cancellations: How Often Do They Happen?
When it comes to flight delays and cancellations, British Airways doesn't have the best track record compared to other major European airlines. According to data from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), British Airways ranked as the 9th worst-performing airline for on-time departures at UK airports in 2023, with an average delay of 21 minutes. This places them behind some budget airlines, which is surprising given BA’s premium positioning.
Despite this, BA operates over 280 aircraft and offers services to more than 200 destinations worldwide. This week I was due to fly with them to Doha. Luckily I was changed on to a Qatar Airways flight, although a few hours later and now arriving into Doha at. 01:30 not ideal!
How Often Are British Airways Flights Delayed?
In 2023, British Airways had an On-Time Performance (OTP) of around 73%, meaning roughly three out of four flights left on time. The remaining flights were delayed by an average of 21 minutes, a common occurrence in today’s busy airspace. For a premium airline, this isn't ideal, but it's still better than several low-cost carriers operating in Europe. Such as Wizz Air and EasyJet.
British Airways Flight Delay Compensation: What Are Your Rights?
If you’re flying British Airways and experience a delay, you might wonder when you can claim compensation. Under EU261 regulations (which still applies post-Brexit), you’re entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed by 3 hours or more upon arrival and the delay is the airline’s fault.
How long does a flight need to be delayed for compensation?
From 3 hours, so remember, this is 3 hour delays from your scheduled time of arrival,
so lets say you take off 3 hours late, but they have a quick flight time, shaving 20 minutes off the scheduled flight time, then you won't be entitled to a flight delay claim.
British Airways compensation form online here
Key rules for compensation:
Delay must be over 3 hours.
The delay must be within British Airways' control (not due to weather or air traffic control issues).
Compensation can range from €250 to €600 depending on the flight distance and length of the delay.
A flight starts the moment it pushes back from the gate, not from take off, if it pushes back up to 15 minutes within its scheduled, this is ON TIME.
Your flight arrives the moment it is on the stand, not from when it lands
British Airways cancelled my flights today what should I do?
You're legally entitled to get compensation if the cancellation is the airline's responsibility and both the following apply: the replacement flight delays your arrival by 3 or more hours. Or your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
British Airways flight cancellations are less frequent than delays, but they do happen. If your flight is cancelled, here’s what you need to do:
Understand Your Rights: If British Airways cancels your flight for reasons within their control, and you were given less than 14 days' notice, you’re entitled to compensation under EU261. Additionally, BA must offer you an alternative flight or a full refund.
Act Fast: When flights get cancelled, hundreds of passengers will be scrambling to rebook. Use the BA app or their website to quickly rebook your journey. If you're flexible, consider nearby airports or different dates to find available options.
Compensation Eligibility: If the alternative flight they offer delays your arrival by more than 3 hours, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Here are my top tips if you do encounter travel delays and cancellations with British Airways on your day of travel.
Get a back up plan together
Stay Informed and find out what's going on?! Knowledge is power! Check Twitter, check flight radar (track the flights) check the airlines and airports facebook pages.
Get evidence, take screenshots, you need timings, photos of flight boards etc.
Keep receipts, if you are out of pocket you can usually claim expenses on top of any compensation.
Pack Essentials and take extra provisions, medication, nappies for babies, food, snacks, have an emergency budget!
Know your rights!
What are my rights if i am delayed or my British Airways flight is cancelled?
Did you know you can claim up to £520 in the UK per person for delayed or cancelled flights?
So In the UK you are entitled to compensation on delayed or cancelled flights that have;
Departed the UK
Arrived in the UK with an EU or UK carrier
Arrived in the EU with a UK carrier
Since the end of the Brexit transition period, the rules haven't changed, as EU law has been written into UK law.
You're entitled to get compensation if the flight arrives more than 3 hours late and it's the airline's fault .
You're legally entitled to get compensation if the cancellation is the airline's responsibility and both the following apply: the replacement flight delays your arrival by 3 or more hours. Or your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
So what next?.......
You need to file a complaint under section EC 261 rules with your airline. Claim by yourself, however....things to consider when taking on the greedy airlines,
Stressful You have to complete the whole process by yourself, including negotiations with the airline.
Lots of paperwork Knowing what forms are required and where to send them, can get complicated.
Time consuming It can take months of back and forth, and hours on hold to airline call centres, to get compensation. Risky If your claim goes to court, you’ll have to shoulder legal fees yourself, whether you win or lose. Unresponsive airlines You might be left in the dark by the airline, with little to no updates on the status of your claim.
Or alternatively, get a professional company to do it for you!
With Airhelp its easy and hassle-free they handle your entire claim, from kick off to compensation.
They take care of it
Guiding you through the essential documents, and they submit them for you.
Can save you time
You simply submit your documents online — They will take it from there.
No win, no fee
They handle all legal fees, and they will only charge a fee when you get paid.
Regular updates
You receive regular updates and answers to any questions you have
You can also take out Air Help plus, kind of like an insurance against flight delays, if like me you are a regular flyer. Air Help offer a disruption insurance, after all delays are inevitable!
They have two levels of cover starting at just £2.92 per month!
Smart
Perfect for up to 3 trips per year.
Perfect for most travellers
Protection for 3 trips
€100 when your flight’s disrupted
€100 for a lost or delayed bag
Lounge access during a disruption
Annual support
No-fee compensation service
Dedicated 24/7 support
Flight status updates
Travel perks
Save on eSIMs, car rental, and more
this is only £34.99 per year! More info here
or
Pro
For up to 9 trips per year, so great if you're an EasyJet frequent flyer.
Protection for 9 trips
€100 when your flight’s disrupted
€100 for a lost or delayed bag
Lounge access during a disruption
Annual support
No-fee compensation service
Dedicated 24/7 support
Flight status updates
Travel perks
Save on eSIMs, car rental, and more
Great value at £84.99 check it out here
NEWS UPDATE! November 2024,
In a recent operational update, British Airways announced the suspension of its routes to Bahrain and Kuwait due to the ongoing delays in the delivery of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, which power its Boeing 787 fleet.
The airline explained that these supply chain challenges have grounded several aircraft, disrupting its ability to maintain the planned schedule. As a result, British Airways is rebooking affected passengers on alternative flights, either within its own network or with partner airlines.
Hello I’m Paul a Travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
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