UK CAA: NATS Disruption Likely 'Extraordinary Circumstances', Compensation Unlikely

The UK Civil Aviation Authority issued a statement on the 21 September 2026 technical failure at NATS' Prestwick centre, saying delays and cancellations directly caused by the incident are likely to constitute 'extraordinary circumstances' under passenger rights rules, meaning passengers are unlikely to be entitled to compensation. Airlines must still meet care obligations, including meals, refreshments and hotel accommodation proportionate to the delay, and promptly reimburse passengers who make their own arrangements where carriers cannot proactively offer care or suitable replacement flights. The issue primarily affected airports in northern parts of the UK, with other airports also repo…