- Flight Disruptions
- Inverness Airport warns of weeks of delays and short-notice closures
Inverness Airport warns of weeks of delays and short-notice closures
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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on May 6, 2026
Disruption overview
Passengers flying through Inverness Airport (INV) may face weeks of disruption after the airport said a shortage of air traffic control staff will force rolling closures of the tower and runway. Problems were already visible at the start of the week, with delays of 45 minutes to more than an hour and flights held on the ground while the airfield reopened. The airport is the main gateway for the Scottish Highlands and is served by easyJet, Loganair, and British Airways. Because the issue sits outside airline control, compensation under UK 261 is usually unlikely, but airlines should still provide care, assistance, rerouting, or refunds where needed.
Disruption details
Passengers using Inverness Airport (INV) have been warned to expect delays, retimed flights, and short-notice cancellations after a passenger bulletin published on 5 May 2026 confirmed an acute shortage of air traffic control staff. The airport said the staffing gap will force rolling closures of the tower and runway over the coming weeks.
For passengers, that means travel plans could change with very little notice. Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd said it will try to place the shutdowns around the daily flying program, but some departures and arrivals may still be delayed, retimed, or canceled.
The disruption had already started to show earlier in the week. Some flights were delayed by 45 minutes to more than an hour, while others were kept on the ground waiting for the airfield to reopen before crews could depart.
Over the previous weekend, the runway was closed completely for blocks of time so the reduced control team could take mandatory breaks. Because the airport has one commercial runway and no alternative air traffic control provider on site, even a short tower closure can halt airline movements as well as general aviation traffic.
That has a wider impact in a region that relies heavily on the airport. Around 1 million passengers a year normally travel through Inverness Airport, which serves as the main gateway for the Scottish Highlands. Airlines using the airport include easyJet, Loganair, and British Airways, with routes to London, Bristol, Manchester, the Northern Isles, and the Western Isles.
Some passengers have already described sitting on board for more than an hour before takeoff and worrying about missed connections at hub airports such as London Heathrow. Even when flights still operate, retimed departures and arrivals can turn a straightforward trip into a much longer day of waiting.
The airport operator has described the staffing shortage as unforeseen but hasn't explained what caused it. No wider mitigation has been announced beyond advising passengers to check directly with their airline for updates. With no backup provider on site, short-notice changes may continue until more controllers can be rostered.
Because this disruption is tied to airport air traffic control staffing rather than something your airline directly caused, compensation under UK 261 is usually unlikely. Even so, you're not without support. If your flight is canceled, your airline should offer rerouting or a refund, and during long delays it should provide care and assistance such as food, drinks, and overnight accommodation when needed.
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 UK 261 and other applicable laws.
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 UK 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
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
Not eligible for compensation
Airports affected
Inverness Airport
Cities affected
Inverness
Countries affected
United Kingdom
Start date
2026-05-05
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
May 6, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the UK or EU, 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.
