- Flight Disruptions
- Over 460 flights delayed or canceled at Heathrow and London City
Over 460 flights delayed or canceled at Heathrow and London City
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Checked by Josh Arnfield
Last updated on 19 May 2026
462
Affected flights
2
Affected airports
4
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Operations at Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London City Airport (LCY) were badly disrupted on 17 May 2026, with 401 delays and 61 cancellations recorded across the two airports. The disruption left terminals crowded and extended queues at rebooking desks and security checkpoints. British Airways was among the hardest hit at Heathrow, while American Airlines, KLM, and Helvetic Airways were also affected as bad weather and air traffic restrictions slowed flights across southern England. Although cash compensation under EC 261 is unlikely when disruption is caused by issues outside the airline's control, airlines should still provide care and assistance such as meals, rebooking, refunds, or accommodation where needed.
Disruption details
Flights at Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London City Airport (LCY) were heavily disrupted on 17 May 2026, with 401 delays and 61 cancellations recorded across the two London airports. Terminals filled up quickly as thousands of travelers faced changing departure boards and longer waits.
At Heathrow Airport, British Airways appeared to be among the hardest hit. American Airlines, KLM, and Helvetic Airways were also affected, showing how quickly the disruption spread across both short-haul and long-haul operations.
For passengers, this meant missed connections, longer queues at rebooking desks and security, and more time waiting for updates. Heathrow's central terminals saw some of the worst crowding, while London City Airport also struggled to handle passengers waiting for evening bank-holiday flights.
This wasn't linked to a strike, an IT failure, or a formal ground stop. Instead, bad weather moving across southern England triggered air traffic flow-control measures from Eurocontrol and the UK's National Air Traffic Services, forcing some aircraft to hold before landing or take longer routings.
Once those restrictions were in place, the pressure grew quickly. Airlines were already dealing with tight schedules and crew-rostering challenges during the busy spring travel period, so there was very little spare capacity to absorb more delays.
That combination pushed operations beyond their usual buffer, turning rolling delays into pre-emptive cancellations as airlines and airports tried to stabilize the timetable. Tracking data showed disruption continuing into the late evening, with knock-on effects likely as aircraft and crews were displaced from their planned rotations across Europe.
If your flight from Heathrow Airport or London City Airport was affected, it's understandable to feel frustrated. But because the main causes appear to have been weather and air traffic restrictions outside the airline's control, cash compensation under EC 261 is unlikely.
Even so, you're not without support. Airlines should still provide care and assistance during major disruption, including meals and refreshments during long waits, hotel accommodation and transport if you're stranded overnight, and rerouting or a refund if your flight was canceled.
If you want to understand what applies to your booking, AirHelp's free flight checker is a simple place to start. It can help you review your options and see whether compensation could still apply in your specific circumstances.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
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
Weather issue
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
462
Airlines affected
British Airways, American Airlines, KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines, Helvetic Airways
Airports affected
London Heathrow Airport, London City Airport
Cities affected
London
Countries affected
United Kingdom
Start date
2026-05-17
Checked by
Josh Arnfield
Date updated
19 May 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, canceled, 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.
