When flights are delayed or cancelled, passengers are often left not only frustrated but also confused. Airlines frequently offer questionable justifications for the disruption—ranging from vague "technical issues" to truly bizarre explanations.
In this article, we take a look at some of the strangest excuses airlines have given—and explain why they usually don’t hold up under EU law.
It sounds like a joke, but it has actually happened. Sometimes airlines cite crew shortages or delays caused by unavailable personnel.
Does this count as an “extraordinary circumstance”?
No. Staffing issues fall entirely within the airline’s responsibility. According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are usually entitled to compensation in such cases.
Yes, flights have been delayed or cancelled simply because the food didn’t show up. It might sound petty, but it’s a real excuse that’s been used.
Legally speaking?
This is not an extraordinary circumstance either. The airline is responsible for making sure everything required for the flight—including catering—is ready on time.
One of the more creative excuses: the flight couldn't take off due to excess weight. Often this is blamed on too much luggage or freight.
What most passengers don’t realize:
This is a clear case of mismanagement and falls under the airline’s responsibility. Overloading is not a valid reason to deny compensation.
Weather is a legitimate reason for delays, but airlines often use it vaguely: “poor weather conditions” with no detail or even when conditions at the departure and arrival airports are fine.
Legally, weather is only a valid excuse if:
It directly affects your specific flight and is severe enough to pose safety concerns. General or vague claims about “bad weather somewhere” don’t count.
One of the most common and opaque excuses is a "technical defect." Often, the airline provides no further explanation, leaving passengers in the dark.
What does the law say?
Technical issues are only considered extraordinary if they arise suddenly and unexpectedly—like hidden manufacturing defects. Normal wear and tear or poor maintenance doesn’t qualify. Airlines must explain the issue clearly to justify denial of compensation.
Believe it or not, flights have been delayed because of faulty toilets. While unpleasant, this doesn’t absolve the airline of its responsibilities.
Why not?
Toilet failures are part of the aircraft’s general maintenance—and therefore do not count as extraordinary circumstances.
Many airline excuses are not legally valid and are frequently rejected by courts and arbitration bodies. If your flight is delayed by more than 3 hours or cancelled on short notice, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Important: Don’t settle for a vague or absurd explanation. It’s always worth having your case reviewed.
Were you affected by a flight delay or cancellation and given a questionable reason? Our platform makes it easy to check if you’re entitled to compensation—with no financial risk. We handle the entire process for you.
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