Millions of UK Passengers Could Be Owed Compensation for 2025 Flight Delays — How to Claim It


As air travel continues to soar in 2025, millions of passengers in Europe, particularly from the UK, could be entitled to compensation for significant delays or cancellations. Despite a decrease in the overall percentage of disrupted flights, many passengers may still not be aware that they are eligible for compensation under the EU261 regulation, potentially worth up to €600 (around £515) per affected traveler.
The EU261 Regulation and Passengers’ Rights
Under EU261 regulations, passengers are entitled to compensation when their flight is delayed by more than three hours or cancelled without prior notice. This applies to flights departing from EU airports, regardless of the airline’s origin, as well as flights arriving at EU airports with EU-registered airlines.
The compensation ranges from €250 to €600, depending on the distance of the flight. While the regulation is clear on passenger rights, many still fail to claim what they are owed, often due to a lack of awareness about the regulations or how to apply for the compensation.
How Many Flights Were Affected?
Recent data reveals that over 75,000 flights were disrupted in the first six months of 2025 alone. This statistic underscores the extent of the issue, showing that despite some improvements, flight disruptions remain a considerable problem. As the summer season sees a surge in travel, more passengers have been impacted, with around one in every 90 flights in Europe qualifying for compensation.
In total, up to 10 million travelers may have been affected by delays or cancellations, potentially resulting in a total compensation payout of €2.2 billion (approximately £1.9 billion). This estimate is based on the assumption that each disrupted flight has an average of 120 passengers and that the minimum payout for compensation is €250.
Why Do So Many Passengers Miss Out?
Despite the large number of travelers eligible for compensation, a significant portion of passengers never file claims. It’s estimated that about two-thirds of eligible passengers are unaware of their rights or do not know how to claim compensation after their journey.
This lack of knowledge is especially prevalent among UK travelers, many of whom may not realize they are still entitled to compensation months after their flight. As the year progresses and passengers’ claims window begins to close, the window of opportunity to claim compensation becomes narrower.
The Impact of Weather and Strikes
While flight delays and cancellations are often seen as the airline’s responsibility, not all disruptions are within the airline’s control. Up to half of disruption cases fall outside airline liability due to circumstances such as severe weather conditions or strikes. Under these situations, passengers may not be entitled to compensation, making it even more important for travelers to understand the cause of their disruption and whether it qualifies for compensation.
How to Claim Your Compensation
For those who do qualify for compensation, the process to file a claim is straightforward, though many passengers still find the process daunting. Passenger rights platform Skycop encourages travelers to submit their claims as soon as possible, as the window for compensation under EU261 regulation can close after a certain period, depending on the airline and country.
Travelers can file their claims directly with the airline, but many find it easier to use specialized services like Skycop, which simplifies the process and ensures they maximize their compensation entitlement. These services often operate on a “no-win, no-fee” basis, meaning passengers only pay a fee if their claim is successful.
What Needs to Change?
While the current EU261 regulation has helped millions of travelers claim compensation, passenger rights groups, including Skycop, argue that improvements are needed to make the process smoother and more transparent. There have been calls for lawmakers to ensure that airlines adhere to their responsibilities and streamline the claims process to make it more accessible for travelers.
As lawmakers continue to review the EU261 regulation, many are advocating for better enforcement and clearer guidelines to ensure that passengers are not left in the dark about their rights.
Conclusion
In 2025, a significant number of European travelers, especially from the UK, could still be unaware that they are entitled to compensation for delayed or canceled flights. With up to €2.2 billion in potential compensation waiting to be claimed, passengers should act quickly to secure the money they are owed. It’s time to bring greater awareness to this issue and ensure that passengers are treated fairly, not only for the disruptions they’ve faced but also for the inconvenience and stress caused by prolonged delays.
By understanding EU261 regulations, filing claims promptly, and ensuring lawmakers take the necessary steps to protect travelers, it’s possible for passengers to regain what’s rightfully theirs.
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