- Flight Disruptions
- Cancellations and delays reported across UK airports on 10 March
Cancellations and delays reported across UK airports on 10 March
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By Josh Arnfield
Last updated on 11 March 2026
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
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Affected airports
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Affected airlines
What Happened
UK passengers faced widespread disruption on 10 March 2026, with at least 42 cancellations and roughly 146 delays across London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. British Airways, EasyJet, Air France and Emirates were affected. The disruption is linked to a Middle East airspace crisis that prompted reroutes and schedule changes, with some UK–Middle East routes suspended and trimmed services from Dubai. Airlines advised passengers to check flight status and offered rebooking options. Consumer advocates highlighted rerouting/refund and care duties; compensation may not apply.
Flight Disruption Details
Passengers across the United Kingdom experienced significant disruption on 10 March 2026, with at least 42 flights cancelled and around 146 delayed. The impact was felt at major hubs and regional gateways including London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Affected carriers included British Airways, EasyJet, Air France and Emirates.
Airlines attributed the disruption primarily to a broader airspace crisis in the Middle East, where hostilities led to the closure or restriction of key routing corridors. European carriers also rerouted around restricted airspace over Iran, Iraq and parts of the eastern Mediterranean, adding up to two hours to some long-haul sectors. These detours affected crew duty times and aircraft rotations, creating knock-on delays into peak departure periods at European hubs and subsequently impacting UK operations. Weather and air traffic control restrictions on certain European routes further contributed to delays.
British Airways cancelled numerous departures and warned of short-notice operational changes. The airline temporarily suspended services to and from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv until later in March, while operating limited repatriation flights from Muscat to London Heathrow with constrained availability. Emirates ran a reduced schedule, maintaining selected flights to Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow and adjusting timings to fit narrower routing corridors. EasyJet implemented cancellations and delays, particularly on services to mainland Europe, and Air France faced disruption on UK–Paris routes due to longer flight paths.
Operational pressures were visible at Heathrow’s Terminals 3 and 5, where queues formed at service desks as passengers sought rebooking. Manchester Airport reported bottlenecks at security and in departures amid changes to Emirates, EasyJet and British Airways services. In Birmingham, two Emirates flights to Dubai were cancelled due to operational constraints and updated travel advice. Edinburgh and Glasgow also saw cancellations and delays, reducing options on links to Asia and Australasia via Gulf hubs.
Airlines and airports indicated that schedules may remain unstable in the coming days while carriers adjust networks and consolidate flights. Passengers were encouraged to check their flight status within 24 hours of departure through official channels, with some airlines offering free date or destination changes to ease pressure on limited services. Consumer advocates noted that passengers are entitled to rerouting or refunds, care and assistance, and, where overnight stays are required, accommodation and transfers. Additional financial compensation may not be available when disruption results from extraordinary events such as airspace closures.
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
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
British Airways, EasyJet, Air France, Emirates
Airports affected
London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow
Start date
2026-03-10
Checked by
Josh Arnfield
Date updated
11 March 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your canceled flight ends up costing you extra money.
