Heathrow UK261 Delays: Full Guide
Heathrow UK261 delay guide: LHR is the UK's largest airport and the hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. UK Regulation 261/2004 governs delay compensation.
UK261 at LHR
London Heathrow (LHR) is the UK's busiest airport and the European hub for British Airways (T5) and Virgin Atlantic (T3). UK261 applies to any flight departing LHR regardless of airline. A 3+ hour final-destination arrival delay triggers compensation. A Heathrow UK261 delay claim follows the standard UK path.
Compensation Amounts
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Under 1,500 km: £220 per passenger.
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1,500-3,500 km: £350 per passenger.
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Over 3,500 km: £520 per passenger.
50% reduction when airline rebooks within 2 / 3 / 4 hours of original arrival. See uk261 passenger rights summer 2026 edition 2.
Typical LHR Delay Drivers
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Runway capacity (98% utilization; any disruption ripples).
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NATS ATC flow control.
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Winter fog (October-February).
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Crew timing at BA and Virgin.
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Border staffing affecting turnaround.
Extraordinary Circumstances
NATS ATC-wide disruption, severe weather, and security incidents can be extraordinary. Operational constraints, crew timing, and maintenance are not. Airline carries burden of proof.
'Airport congestion' alone is not extraordinary circumstances. Push back and escalate to CAA.
Top LHR Carriers
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British Airways: large volume, moderate denial rate. See british airways uk261 claim fees and timelines.
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TUI Airways: see tui airways uk261 claim fees and timelines.
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easyJet: see easyjet UK UK261 claim fees and timelines.
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Virgin Atlantic, American, Delta, Lufthansa.
CAA Escalation
If airline denies, escalate to UK CAA's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team. Typical review: 8-16 weeks. See uk caa complaint process explained.
File Your Heathrow Claim
Check your flight. For the framework, see the denied boarding compensation guide and the UK261 passenger rights pillar.