When your Wizz Air flight is delayed or cancelled, the first question many passengers ask is whether they’re entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) and UK261. But things can get confusing when the disruption is caused by strikes. Not all strikes are treated equally under the law.
In this article, we’ll explain the difference between third-party strikes (like airport staff or air traffic control strikes) and airline staff strikes, and how that affects your right to UK/EU flight compensation.
Check your compensation online.
Airport Staff and Air Traffic Control Strikes Are Third Party Strikes
What counts as a third-party strike?
A third-party strike is when the disruption is caused by workers not employed by the airline.
This includes:
- Air Traffic Control strikes (ATC strikes)
- Airport staff strikes (strikes by baggage handlers, ground staff, security, border control)
- Other service providers at the airport
Since these workers are outside the airline’s direct control, such strikes are usually considered extraordinary circumstances under EU261/UK261.
Do You Get Compensation for Airport Staff and Air Traffic Control Strikes?
Unfortunately, no.
If your Wizz Air flight is delayed or cancelled because of an air traffic control strike or a strike by airport staff, you are not entitled to EU/UK flight compensation, as these are deemed extraordinary circumstances.
However, you still have rights. Wizz Air must provide you with:
- Meals and refreshments during the wait
- Hotel accommodation and transfers if the disruption requires an overnight stay
- Alternative flights (rerouting) or a full refund if the flight is cancelled
So while you won’t get compensation, the airline must still look after you.
Learn more: Right to Care
If your flight was cancelled due to air traffic control – compensation is usually not available because ATC strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances.
What About Wizz Air Staff Strikes?
The situation is different if the strike involves Wizz Air’s own employees (pilots, cabin crew, or airline ground staff). Courts have ruled that these are not extraordinary circumstances, because the airline is responsible for managing relations with its workforce.
That means if your flight is disrupted due to a strike by Wizz Air staff, you are entitled to compensation in addition to care and rerouting/refund rights.
Learn more: Wizz Air Strike Compensation
Check your compensation online.
How to Tell the Difference Between Third Party and Airline Strikes?
Airlines sometimes blur the line and simply tell passengers, “It was a strike,” without clarifying who was striking. If this happens:
- Ask for details in writing — Was it ATC, airport staff, or Wizz Air crew?
- Check the news — ATC and airport staff strikes are usually widely reported.
- Challenge the airline — If it was their own staff, you can insist on compensation.
Strikes can be frustrating for passengers, but your rights depend on who is striking.
| Type of Strike | Example | Extraordinary Circumstance | Compensation | Other Rights (Care, Refund, Rerouting) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Staff Strikes | Wizz Air pilots, cabin crew, ground staff | ❌ No | ✅ Yes – up to €600 | ✅ Yes – meals, hotel, refund or reroute |
| Third-Party Strikes | Air Traffic Control strikes, airport staff, baggage handlers | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes – meals, hotel, refund or reroute |
Passengers often ask about air traffic control strike compensation, but under EU261/UK261 these strikes are considered extraordinary circumstances, so airlines are not required to pay.
Don’t take the airline’s word at face value. Always ask for proof of who was striking — it could mean the difference between no payout and up to €600 in compensation.
Featured photo by Martin Lopez from Pexels