What to do if your flight was canceled by an airline strike

Airline pilot strikes can lead to widespread flight cancellations, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. When pilots go on strike, airlines may be forced to cancel flights, leaving travelers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. These strikes can last for days or even weeks, impacting a significant number of flights and passengers.

If your flight was affected by an airline strike, you may be entitled to compensation—up to €600, depending on the circumstances. It’s important to check your airline’s policies and passenger rights regulations to see if you qualify. Submitting a claim as soon as possible can help ensure a smoother process while you focus on your travel plans.

Why would flight crew and pilots go on strike?

Airline strikes often stem from disputes over wages, working conditions, and job security. In many cases, pilots or the cabin crew protest against cost-cutting measures implemented by airlines, such as hiring new staff under different contracts or through subsidiary companies rather than reinstating previously laid-off staff.

Worker unions may argue that such practices undermine labor agreements and job stability, while airlines defend them as necessary for financial sustainability. These disputes can sometimes lead to prolonged negotiations, with pilots advocating for better conditions, fair pay, or job reinstatement.

Additionally, airlines facing financial difficulties may seek ways to reduce costs, such as restructuring operations or applying for financial protection to secure funding and attract investors. These factors contribute to ongoing tensions between airline management and employee unions, occasionally leading to flight disruptions for passengers.

Your right to compensation after a strike cancellation

If your flight was canceled due to an airline staff strike you are entitled to up to €600 in compensation, depending on the distance of your flight and if you were informed of the strike cancellation less than two weeks before your scheduled departure. 

This is because strikes by airline staff are not considered extraordinary circumstances. In 2021, AirHelp won a landmark case for air passengers at the European Courts of Justice. That case confirmed that airlines are always accountable for their employees’ actions, including strikes. Airlines should always be prepared to minimize delays and cancellations, and they are obligated to pay compensation to their customers when they fail to do that.

If you were one of the thousands of passengers whose flights were canceled due to a pilot or cabin crew strike, you should claim compensation. AirHelp is prepared to help passengers get the compensation owed to them, and make it easy to see if you're eligible using our free Compensation Check. 

Flight delays happen, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. You may be entitled to a much as €600 in compensation. If your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked within the last three years.