If you’ve ever tried to claim flight compensation, you may have noticed that airlines don’t always give a clear or complete explanation. This is especially common when a delay or cancellation is blamed on a “technical problem.”
Airlines often use technical issues as a general excuse and may even describe them as extraordinary circumstances, suggesting the fault was outside their control and compensation is not payable. In many cases, that isn’t true.
Most technical problems are considered part of an airline’s normal operations under UK and EU air passenger rights rules. Issues caused by maintenance, component failures, or operational faults are usually the airline’s responsibility — which means flight compensation may still be due.
Loganair flight delay due to technical problem? Compensation might be due.
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Technical Problems Are Not Extraordinary Circumstances
In most cases, technical problems with an aircraft are considered the airline’s responsibility and do not count as extraordinary circumstances.
European court decisions have confirmed that even unexpected faults found during routine maintenance are part of normal airline operations. This means airlines usually cannot use technical issues as a reason to avoid paying compensation. The main exception is a rare hidden manufacturing defect, which may qualify as extraordinary.
So if your flight was delayed or cancelled due to a technical problem, it’s still worth submitting a claim — you may be entitled to up to €600 per passenger under UK and EU flight compensation rules.
Loganair flight delay due to technical problem? Compensation might be due.
Why Do Airlines Sometimes Call It “Extraordinary Circumstances”?
Airlines sometimes describe disruptions as “extraordinary circumstances” because it can help them avoid paying compensation.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines do not have to pay compensation when a delay or cancellation is caused by events outside their control. These may include bad weather, political unrest, security risks, pandemics, or rare manufacturing defects.
To justify rejecting claims, airlines often use vague but official-sounding wording such as “unforeseen technical issue,” “operational safety concern,” or “maintenance problem beyond our control.” While these explanations may sound convincing, they do not automatically remove your rights under Regulation EU261 and UK261.
In most cases, technical faults are not extraordinary circumstances. Routine or unexpected aircraft problems are considered part of normal airline operations, which means the airline may still be responsible and compensation may still be due.
Exceptions! When Technical Problems Are Extraordinary Circumstances
In rare cases, technical problems can qualify as extraordinary circumstances, meaning the airline may not have to pay compensation. This usually happens only when the issue is truly outside the airline’s control — for example, a hidden manufacturing defect identified by the aircraft manufacturer or aviation authorities, or damage caused by sabotage or terrorism.
These situations are considered exceptional because they are not part of normal airline operations or routine maintenance. However, the airline must still prove that the problem was extraordinary and that it took all reasonable steps to avoid or reduce the disruption.
Check your compensation online.
Loganair Flight Delay Due to Technical Problem: Compensation Eligibility
In many cases, passengers affected by technical problems may be entitled to UK/EU flight compensation, since technical faults are usually considered the airline’s responsibility.
These passenger rights apply to both scheduled and charter flights, and can also cover non-EU and non-UK airlines when the flight departs from an EU or UK airport.
Your nationality does not matter — flight compensation rules protect all passengers, whether you’re an EU/UK resident or travelling from abroad.
How to Claim Compensation for Flight Delay Due to Mechanical Problems?
You have two options: submit the claim yourself or use a flight compensation company.
If you decide to claim directly, contact Loganair and request compensation under UK261 and EU261. Or you can use their contact form on their website. Make it clear that the disruption was caused by a technical issue, which is usually considered within the airline’s control.
Keep in mind that the process can take time and may require follow-ups. If Loganair rejects your claim, you can escalate the case to the relevant National Enforcement Body (NEB).
If you want a simpler, stress-free option, you can use a flight compensation company. In most cases, you only need to complete a short form and sign online.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
Loganair Flight Delay Due to Technical Problem: Right to Care
Flight delayed due to technical issues? If your Loganair flight is delayed due to a technical problem, you may be entitled to the right to care under Regulation UK261 and EU261.
This means Loganair should provide support during the delay, such as meals and refreshments once the waiting time becomes significant (usually 3+ hours), and access to communication.
If the delay requires an overnight stay, the airline should also arrange hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel.
Even if compensation is later disputed, the right to care still applies during long delays and cancellations.
Read more:
- Loganair Flight Delay Compensation
- Loganair Flight Cancellation Compensation
- Loganair Denied Boarding Compensation
Loganair flight delay due to technical problem? Compensation might be due. Do you have more questions about flight compensation and your UK/EU air passenger rights? Ask in the comments.