- Flight Disruptions
- UK airports report 420 delays and 27 cancellations across major hubs
UK airports report 420 delays and 27 cancellations across major hubs
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 24 March 2026
447
Affected flights
5
Affected airports
5
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Major UK airports experienced widespread disruption with 420 delays and 27 cancellations in March 2026. Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, London City and Birmingham were affected, with airlines including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Air France and Lufthansa reporting operational knock-on effects from slot congestion, crew duty limits and late-arriving aircraft. Queues built up at check-in, security and rebooking desks as backlogs were worked through into the evening. Safety was reported as maintained throughout the disruption.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Disruption details
What happened
Passengers at several UK airports faced significant operational disruption in March 2026, with 420 flights delayed and 27 canceled across key hubs. The affected airports included London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham International, Gatwick and London City. Backlogs formed throughout the day as early operational issues escalated, creating slot congestion, crew duty limitations and aircraft rotation challenges. Airlines and airport teams worked through the evening to clear queues and recover schedules, and safety was reported as not compromised.
Impact by airport
London Heathrow: 121 delays, 9 cancellations
Gatwick: 97 delays, 4 cancellations
Manchester: 137 delays, 2 cancellations
London City: 18 delays, 8 cancellations
Birmingham International: 47 delays (cancellations not specified)
Airlines affected
The disruption involved multiple carriers, including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Air France and Lufthansa. British Airways experienced extensive delays linked to airspace saturation and aircraft scheduling pressures, particularly at Heathrow. easyJet faced knock-on effects at Gatwick and Manchester from tight turnarounds and late inbound aircraft. Ryanair reported delays on routes feeding into congested European hubs. Air France services between UK regional airports and Paris were affected by late arrivals and slot constraints, and Lufthansa’s UK flights were disrupted by late-arriving aircraft from German hubs and compressed turnarounds.
Operational factors
Early-day delays escalated into wider slot congestion
Crew duty time restrictions limited recovery options
Late-arriving aircraft compressed turnarounds and caused missed connections
Airspace saturation affected schedule reliability
Passenger experience and recovery
Inside terminals, travelers encountered long queues at check-in, airline counters and security, with many seeking seating, power outlets and updated information as departure times changed repeatedly. Some passengers missed onward connections, and those on carriers with limited interline options faced challenging rebooking scenarios and, in some cases, overnight stays due to full hotels. Airport and airline teams worked through the evening to resolve the backlog.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
At the end of every passenger_rights_content element, always include the following disclaimer: "This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times."
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
447
Airlines affected
British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, Air France, Lufthansa
Airports affected
London Heathrow Airport, Manchester International Airport, Birmingham International Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London City Airport
Cities affected
London, Manchester, Birmingham
Countries affected
United Kingdom
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
24 March 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
