- Flight Disruptions
- Heathrow and Gatwick disruption causes 337 delays and 11 cancellations
Heathrow and Gatwick disruption causes 337 delays and 11 cancellations
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Eligible for compensation
Checked by Alice Mariscotti
Last updated on June 8, 2026
348
Affected flights
2
Affected airports
5
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
On 7 June 2026, London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport were hit by major same-day disruption, with 337 delayed flights and 11 cancellations across domestic UK, European, Middle East, North American, and long-haul routes. Passengers faced long lines, missed connections, overnight rebookings, and repeated gate changes as delays built through the day. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, Ryanair, and Emirates were among the airlines affected, with Heathrow’s long-haul connections and Gatwick’s tight short-haul schedules helping the disruption spread.
Because no single cause was identified, compensation will depend on the details of each case, but passengers may still have rights to care, rebooking, refunds, and in some situations compensation.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to US$650 under passenger rights regulations.
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Disruption details
On 7 June 2026, London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport were hit by operational disruption, with 337 delayed flights and 11 cancellations across the two London airports.
The problems affected domestic UK services as well as European, Middle East, North American, and other long-haul routes. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet, Ryanair, and Emirates were among the airlines caught up in the disruption.
By the end of the day, the scale looked like this:
A total of 348 departures or arrivals were disrupted, including 337 delays and 11 cancellations.
Heathrow’s role as a major connecting hub meant late inbound flights caused missed onward journeys, especially on evening long-haul departures.
At Gatwick, tight turnarounds and crew duty-time limits helped rolling delays spread through the day.
The two airports also felt the disruption differently. Heathrow’s hub-and-spoke model magnified the impact for passengers connecting between continents, where even a modest inbound delay could mean missing a tightly timed onward flight. Gatwick, home to many low-cost and leisure operators, had less room to recover once the first delays started to build.
At Heathrow, late arrivals created particular problems for travelers making onward connections.
Gatwick saw a different pattern, but the effect on passengers was just as frustrating. Because so many short-haul and leisure services operate there every day, even modest early delays quickly spilled into later departures.
There was no single trigger such as a storm or IT outage. Instead, several pressures appear to have come together at once. With little slack in the system, routine morning delays snowballed into a much bigger problem by evening.
Airlines and both airports advised passengers due to travel to monitor their flight status closely, allow extra time at the airport, and be ready for last-minute gate changes.
If your flight from Heathrow or Gatwick was delayed or canceled, you could claim up to £520 in compensation under UK passenger rights laws. Eligibility depends on the length of your delay and the cause of your disruption. If you want to understand your options, you can use AirHelp’s free flight checker to see what may apply to your journey.
Passengers also have rights to care, plus rebooking or refunds.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Up to US$650 compensation
Passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed over 3 hours may be entitled to financial compensation ranging up to US$650 per person. Check your flight.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Could be eligible for up to US$650 compensation
Flights affected
348
Airlines affected
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, Emirates
Airports affected
London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport
Cities affected
London
Countries affected
United Kingdom
Start date
2026-06-07
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti
Date updated
June 8, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
