Difference between force majeure and technical fault on a flight

An ordinary technical failure is generally not an extraordinary circumstance: the airline therefore cannot automatically avoid compensation by invoking 'force majeure'. Under European law, the question is rather whether the event was external to the airline's normal activity and truly beyond its control. Wear of a part or a maintenance-related problem falls in principle within the routine operation of an airline — without any need to prove negligence in the usual sense.

A technical failure can exceptionally be considered extraordinary, for example if it stems from a hidden manufacturing defect reported by the manufacturer or from an act of sabotage. Even in that case, the airline must prove that the event caused the cancellation or delay and that it could not have avoided it despite reasonable measures. A simple 'technical problem' message is therefore not enough to settle the matter.

If your flight falls under the European rules and you arrive with at least 3 hours of delay, or if the flight is cancelled, you can claim compensation when the conditions are met. Even if the airline proves an extraordinary circumstance, it must still provide certain services, notably assistance and, as applicable, re-routing or a refund. Request in writing the precise cause of the problem and keep the supporting documents: this is often the point to check before contesting a refusal.