If you’ve ever tried to claim flight compensation, you may already know that airlines don’t always provide the full truth. This is especially common when delays or cancellations are blamed on technical problems.
Airlines often use technical issues as a catch-all excuse and may label them as extraordinary circumstances — claiming the problem was beyond their control and that compensation isn’t owed. However, this is usually incorrect.
In most cases, technical problems with an aircraft are considered the airline’s responsibility under EU regulations. If something goes wrong with the plane due to maintenance issues, component failures, or operational faults, passengers may be entitled to EU flight compensation. In fact, it’s often the opposite of what airlines claim: technical problems are generally within the airline’s control, not outside of it.
LOT flight delay due to technical problem? Compensation might be due.
Check your compensation online.
Technical Problems Are Not Extraordinary Circumstances
In most cases, aircraft technical problems are considered the airline’s responsibility and do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.
European court rulings have confirmed that even unexpected technical issues discovered during routine maintenance are part of an airline’s normal operations. As such, they do not exempt the airline from paying EU flight compensation. The main exception is a hidden manufacturing defect, which may be considered extraordinary.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a technical problem, it’s worth filing a compensation claim. You may be entitled to flight compensation of up to €600 per passenger under EU regulations.
LOT flight delay due to technical problem? Compensation might be due.
Why Do Airlines Sometimes Call It “Extraordinary Circumstances”?
Airlines sometimes label disruptions as extraordinary circumstances because doing so allows them to avoid paying compensation.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines are not required to pay flight compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances. These include events such as severe weather, political or civil unrest, security risks, pandemics, and hidden manufacturing defects.
To support this position, airlines often rely on vague or official-sounding explanations when rejecting claims, using phrases like “unforeseen technical issue,” “operational safety concern,” or “maintenance problem beyond our control.” While these explanations may sound convincing, they do not automatically exempt the airline from liability under EU261 rules.
Remember that technical problems with an aircraft do not fall under extraordinary circumstances. Routine or unexpected technical issues are considered part of an airline’s normal operations and remain the airline’s responsibility — meaning compensation may still be owed.
Flight Delay Due to Technical Problem: What Are Your Air Passenger Rights?
If your flight is delayed (or cancelled) because of technical problems, you may be wondering what to do next. The good news is that you’re well protected under European regulations.
Regardless of the circumstances, the airline is required to take care of you and ensure you reach your final destination. This includes the right to care, which applies to all passengers in Europe — no matter who is responsible for the disruption.
If you’re at the airport and your flight is delayed for 3 hours or more, the airline must provide:
- Free meals and refreshments
- Two free communications, such as phone calls or emails
If the delay extends overnight, the airline must also arrange and pay for:
- Hotel accommodation
- Transportation between the airport and the hotel
If your flight is cancelled at the last minute due to technical issues, you are entitled to:
- A full refund or a new flight
- Right to care
Check your compensation online.
LOT Flight Delay Due to Technical Problem: Compensation Eligibility
In many cases, passengers affected by technical problems are also entitled to EU flight compensation, as technical issues are generally considered the airline’s responsibility.
These rights apply not only to scheduled flights, but also to charter airlines and charter flights, and often extend to non-EU airlines as well (if a flight departs from an EU airport).
Importantly, your nationality doesn’t matter — these protections apply whether you’re European or traveling from abroad.
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How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation?
You have two options: handle the claim yourself or work with a flight compensation company.
If you choose to file the claim on your own, contact LOT directly and request compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. Be sure to state that you are entitled to compensation because the disruption was caused by technical problems, which are considered within the airline’s control.
Keep in mind that this process can take time and may require follow-ups. If your compensation claim is denied, you can escalate the case to the National Enforcement Body (NEB) to challenge and potentially overturn the airline’s decision.
If you prefer a hassle-free solution, you can work with a flight compensation company instead. It’s very easy. You just need to fill out one form and sign it.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
LOT flight delay due to technical problem? Compensation might be due.
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