Air Canada Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation
November 11, 2025Air Canada Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation
November 11, 2025
The 5 Most Common Reasons for Flight Delays
Few things could be as frustrating as seeing "Delayed" appear next to your flight on the airport departure board. Unfortunately, flight delays happen all the time and there could be different reasons behind it.
The good news is that air passengers rights exist and if the airline is responsible for your flight delay, you could be entitled to financial compensation under EU regulation EC261/2004.
So, why do flights delay? Let's find out!
1. Weather Conditions
One of the most common reasons for flight delays are weather conditions. Severe weather, including blizzards, strong winds, heavy rain and fog can prevent aircraft from take off.
This weather conditions are listed in EC261 as "extraordinary circumstances" and it excludes flights from eligibility for compensation. So, airlines often use weather conditions as an excuse to avoid paying compensation.
However, if you doubt that your flight was delayed because of severe weather conditions, you have the right to request proof, such as the official meteorological report for your flight date. This is what exactly our lawyers will do if you submit your claim with FlyHelp.com
2. Strikes
Another common reason for flight delays is staff strikes. Airport strikes often shut down entire hubs, though they are usually announced in advance. While strikes lead primarily to cancellations, flights that manage to operate will experience significant, schedule-wide delays.
Due to EU 261/2004, airport personnel strike doesn't qualify for compensation. However, if airline personnel goes on strike and your flight gets delayed, you will be entitled to compensation.
3. Air Traffic Control (ATC) Restrictions
Air Traffic Control (ATC) restrictions are a significant factor in delays. Airport and airspace congestion is regulated by Air Traffic Control. No plane takes off without ATC clearance, and strict slot assignments often cause delays.
EU 261 considers these restrictions an extraordinary circumstance, which airlines may use as an excuse even if they missed their assigned slot due to internal operational issues. So, there is still chance for compensation, if we investigate real reason for flight delay and ask airline staff for written confirmation of the delay reason.
4. Technical Issues
Even though modern and advanced aircraft are designed to prevent technical or mechanical issues, they still surface occasionally. Of course, it leads to immediate delay of the flight. Under EC 261/2004, the airline is responsible for maintaining its fleet. Therefore, if technical issues delay your flight by more than 3 hours, you are fully entitled to compensation.
5. Security Threats
Security threats—including anonymous tips, bomb threats, or even the investigation of a suspicious forgotten bag—are unalienable reasons for flight disruption. Because preventing serious incidents is always the priority, these events cause chaos, delays, and cancellations.
EC 261/2004 consider security threats as “extraordinary circumstances” and releases airlines from compensating passengers.
Claim up to €600 flight compensation easily
