EU 261 applies uniformly, but each country has its own case law, statute of limitations, and quirks. 12 jurisdictions covered.
EU 261 carves out extraordinary circumstances. The CJEU has drawn a very precise line — case law evolves every year.
Storm, blocking snow, lightning. The airline must prove weather directly prevented the flight, not just made operations harder.
When air-traffic control is on strike, the airline is exempt — unless they could have rerouted.
CJEU 2015 ruling: an aircraft fault is part of normal operating risk. Not force majeure.
CJEU 2018 ruling: a strike by the airlines own staff is NOT an extraordinary circumstance. Compensation owed.