Flight Diverted to Another Airport: Compensation and Rights
When your flight lands at a different airport than scheduled, you may be entitled to compensation, ground transportation, and potentially a full refund. Here is what happens legally when your plane diverts.
Diversions Under DOT Rules
Under DOT rules, an airport change is considered a "significant change" that triggers your right to a full cash refund if you choose not to accept the alternative. If the airline diverts to a different airport, they must provide ground transportation to your original destination airport or offer a refund.
The airline is responsible for getting you to your ticketed destination. If your flight diverts, the airline must either transport you to the correct airport (bus, taxi, or another flight) or offer a full refund. You should not have to pay for your own ground transportation.
EU261 and Diversions
Under EU261, a diversion affects your compensation based on the arrival delay at your final ticketed destination. If you were supposed to arrive at London Heathrow and the plane diverted to London Gatwick, the clock keeps running until you arrive at Heathrow (or are transported there).
If the total delay at your ticketed destination exceeds 3 hours, EU261 compensation applies. For details on amounts, see our EU261 guide. For connecting flights affected by diversions, see our connecting flights guide.
What to Do During a Diversion
- 1
Ask the crew: "Will the airline provide transportation to our original destination airport?"
- 2
If the airline offers a bus or taxi, confirm it is at the airline's expense, not yours.
- 3
If no transportation is offered, request a full refund for the unused flight and arrange your own transport.
- 4
Keep all receipts: transport, meals, any hotel if the diversion causes an overnight delay.
- 5
Document the diversion: screenshot the flight status showing the different landing airport.
For the refund process, see our refund guide. For DOT rights, see our rights page. Check your flight for eligibility.