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CAA Says NATS Failure Passengers Likely Won’t Be Compensated

9/10/2026

22 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

CAA says passengers affected by NATS failure are unlikely to receive compensation.
Technical failure at NATS on 8 September halted departures from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Liverpool.
The disruption led to 347 flight cancellations.
MP Tom Hayes and Ryanair COO Neal McMahon urged NATS CEO Martin Rolfe to resign.
CAA reminds airlines to reimburse food, drink and provide overnight accommodation for delayed passengers.

History

Historical Context

The EU introduced Regulation (EC) 261/2004 in 2004, effective 17 February 2005, obligating airlines to pay €250-€600 for delays over three hours. The European Court of Justice has repeatedly ruled that technical faults are not extraordinary, tightening enforcement. When NATS halted traffic on 8 September, canceling 347 flights, passengers and Ryanair executives cited the regulation, pressuring the air-traffic provider to upgrade systems.

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Story summary

CAA says passengers affected by NATS failure are unlikely to receive compensation.
Technical failure at NATS on 8 September halted departures from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Liverpool.
The disruption led to 347 flight cancellations.
MP Tom Hayes and Ryanair COO Neal McMahon urged NATS CEO Martin Rolfe to resign.
CAA reminds airlines to reimburse food, drink and provide overnight accommodation for delayed passengers.

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