Heathrow: 228 delays and 48 cancellations disrupt travel on 24 February 2026

Passengers departing London Heathrow on 24 February 2026 faced widespread disruption: 228 flight delays and 48 cancellations across 15 airlines. British Airways saw the largest impact, while American, United, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, JetBlue, Iberia, Air Canada, SAS, Air France, Brussels Airlines, and Finnair also reported issues. Operational challenges such as staffing shortages, crew scheduling conflicts, earlier air-traffic control knock-ons, and Heathrow’s tight capacity were cited. Some wide-body flights were delayed by up to eight hours. EC261 compensation may apply; travelers were advised to retain receipts for claims.

Passengers departing from London Heathrow on 24 February 2026 experienced extensive schedule disruption, with 228 flights delayed and 48 canceled across 15 airlines. The disruption affected both European and transatlantic services, including routes to New York, Boston, Newark, and Paris.

British Airways was the most impacted carrier, reporting 14 cancellations and 87 delays. Other confirmed impacts included American Airlines (9 cancellations and 4 delays), United Airlines (7 cancellations and 4 delays), Virgin Atlantic (6 cancellations and 13 delays), Delta (3 cancellations and 5 delays), and JetBlue (3 cancellations and 3 delays). Iberia and Air Canada each reported 2 cancellations along with additional delays. SAS recorded 1 cancellation and 7 delays, while Air France, Brussels Airlines, and Finnair registered multiple delays.

Operational challenges were cited as the primary cause. Reported factors included shortages of ground staff, crew scheduling conflicts, accumulated delays from earlier air-traffic control constraints, and Heathrow’s limited operating capacity. Some wide-body flights were delayed by as much as eight hours, complicating same-day connections and business itineraries. The knock-on effects contributed to crowded airport lounges and limited hotel availability.

Under EC 261/2004, travelers may be eligible for compensation, unless airlines can demonstrate that extraordinary circumstances were responsible. The guidance emphasized retaining receipts for meals, accommodation, and transport to support any claims where the disruption was linked to duty roster or staffing issues rather than weather.

For organizations managing travel, the article advised preparing contingency options via alternative airports such as Gatwick, Manchester, or continental hubs. It also recommended monitoring union ballots scheduled for March that could lead to additional operational disruption.

In summary, Heathrow’s near-capacity operation amplified staffing and scheduling issues on 24 February 2026, resulting in hundreds of delays and dozens of cancellations across multiple carriers. Affected passengers should review potential EC 261 entitlements and keep documentation to support any claims.