In 2018, the ECJ ruled that spontaneous airline staff strikes are the airline's responsibility — not an act of God. If you were rejected citing "strike," your claim was likely valid.
Pilots, Cabin Crew, Engineers
Controllers, National Authorities
Security, Baggage, Ground Handlers
The landmark ruling that changed everything for airline staff strikes.
In 2016, TUIfly staff spontaneously called in sick to protest restructuring plans. The airline rejected thousands of claims, calling it an "extraordinary circumstance."
Airlines are responsible for their relationships with their employees. When pilots, cabin crew, or airline-employed ground staff strike, it is considered an internal operational risk.
How major industrial actions have been ruled under EC 261.
| Airline / Event | Year | Strike Type | EC 261 Ruling | Outcome Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
R Ryanair | 2018-2019 | Cabin Crew / Pilots | Eligible | 98% |
L Lufthansa | 2022-2024 | Ground Staff / Pilots | Eligible | 95% |
S SAS | 2019 | Pilots | Eligible | 99% |
H Heathrow | 2022 | Security / Refuelling | Mixed | 45% |
F French ATC | Frequent | Air Traffic Control | Complex | Case-by-case |
Table updated monthly based on ECJ and National Enforcement Body decisions.
Airlines rely on passengers accepting the first 'No'. We don't. We take strike rejections back to court.
Airlines often use automated templates that cite "strike" as an extraordinary circumstance without providing proof. This is a violation of their legal duty.
We present the airline with the specific case law (Krüsemann, C-195/17) and demand evidence of "unforeseeable external influence." Usually, they pay before the court date.
Have a rejection letter from an airline? Upload it here for a free legal assessment by our strike experts.
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Gather these items to ensure our legal team can force a payout.
Any news articles or airline notices about the strike.
The email where they notified you of the cancellation.
The letter where they cited extraordinary circumstances.
Your 6-digit PNR code for the affected journey.
Legally-backed answers to the situations airlines hope you never ask about.
If the airline staff were on strike, you are likely owed up to €600. Check your specific case now.