- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 25, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Jan 30
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
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my travel blog and allows me to continue creating useful content. Thank you for your support!
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.
Did you know you can claim up to £520 in the UK per person for delayed or cancelled flights?
👉 Check your eligibility using a flight delay compensation calculator here(Takes under 2 minutes)
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?
Back 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
👉 Check your eligibility using a flight delay compensation calculator here(Takes under 2 minutes)
How Long Must a Flight Be Delayed to Claim?
You may qualify if:
Your flight arrived 3+ hours late
The disruption was not weather or ATC related
The flight departed from the UK/EU, or arrived on a UK/EU airline
How to Claim Compensation from BA
You’ve got a few options:
You can file a compensation claim through the British Airways website, but prepare for delays and back-and-forth emails. BA isn’t always quick to pay, and the wording of your claim matters.
easyJet Cancelled Flight? Snow Is Causing Chaos Across Europe, Here’s What You Can (and Can’t) Claim
2. Use FlightRight (My Recommended Service)
If you want someone to handle the admin for you, I recommend FlightRight. Check your entitlement to compensation easily and free of charge. FlightRight will enforce your claim for you.
More successful: success rate is 99%
More simple: takes 2 minutes
Risk-free: FlightRight bear all court costs
👉 Start your compensation claim here with FlightRight
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.
Plane Tip: 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?
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
Click here to check how much you could be entitled too
Plane Smart Survival Kit for Delayed Travellers
Being prepared is half the battle. Here’s what I always pack:
Portable charger + cables: keep devices alive, I use this Anker Power Bank on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: refill post-security and avoid £5 airport bottles.
Snacks & activities: protein bars, downloaded Netflix shows, podcasts.
Airport lounge access: a quiet space with Wi-Fi and coffee can turn a delay into downtime.
Mr Plane Guy’s 3-Point Action Plan (Snow Edition)
1️⃣ Take Receipts
Food, hotels, taxis, screenshot everything.
2️⃣ Track the Delay
Use live trackers to record pushback and arrival times.
3️⃣ Check Your Rights
Weather might block compensation, but not always. A calculator confirms it instantly.
Plane NEWS UPDATE!
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.
Plane Related Links
Is this the BEST Airport Lounges at London Gatwick South Terminal
Is Flying British Airways Business Class in Europe Worth the Extra Cost?
You can now fly direct to Aruba from the UK with British Airways
Relaxing in Style: A Visit to the OneWorld Alliance Business Class Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol
Flying High: British Airways Resumes Flights to Bangkok from Gatwick
This is where I was flying too with British Airways euroflyer to in Ibiza, Like Palm Springs but only two Hours from London!
British Airways Baggage Allowance: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Exclusive Offer: I was kindly given a 30% off code for a Priority Pass!
Get it now before the final boarding call! See what I did there?
Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport VIP lounge access program, with over 1800+ lounges in over 600 cities across 148 countries! From just £69 for an annual pass.
The lovely people from priority Pass have offered me a 30% discount code making it just £48! Be quick this won't last long!! Use my link below.
Take a look here ( I get a tiny kickback BTW, thank you for the support )
📩 Get Next Week’s Tip First Sign up to Plane News Weekly for early access to the Plane Avios Tip of the Week, plus flight deals, lounge news and Plane Honest takes.
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Why Are So Many British Airways Flights Being Delayed and Cancelled?
Plane Extras
The PLANE Smart Way to Take Off
Here are my go-to travel extras that help keep this blog (and me) airborne.
🅿️ Airport Parking Compare prices and save up to 75% at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and more with Compare Parking Prices UK →
🍸 Lounge Access Why wait at the gate when you could sip a pre-flight prosecco?
Get 30% off a Priority Pass membership → and access 1800+ lounges worldwide.
🌍 Travel Insurance Don’t fly without cover. Coverwise (by AXA) offers annual European cover from £10.20, including medical consultations and pre-existing conditions.
🎒 Plane Essentials My must-pack travel gear, from cabin-size backpacks to neck pillows that actually work. Shop my curated Amazon Storefront →
📱Stay Connected Avoid roaming shock. Airlo eSIMs → give you instant data in 180+ destinations, no SIM swap required.
💳 Boost Your Avios Earn faster and fly farther with my Amex Gold referral →
or track reward seats via Reward Flight Finder →.
Do check out my Flight Delay Guide
Comments