Flight cancellations over fuel costs still require compensation, expert says
Airlines must compensate passengers for cancellations linked to fuel costs, as these are not considered force majeure
Airlines that cancel flights due to rising fuel costs are still required to compensate passengers, as such cancellations are considered a business decision rather than an unavoidable circumstance, according to a consumer protection expert.
The warning comes amid a surge in global flight disruptions linked to Middle East tensions, which have driven jet fuel prices sharply higher.
Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) found that more than 40,000 flights worldwide were cancelled or delayed between February 28 and March 14, 2026 due to the impact of the conflict, which pushed jet fuel prices up by more than 76% compared with pre-war levels.
In Thailand, more than 1,000 flights were cancelled or delayed between February 28 and March 18, with disruptions continuing.
Sophon Noorut, head of consumer protection at the Thailand Consumers Council, said cancellations caused by rising fuel costs fall under economic factors affecting airlines and are not considered force majeure, such as natural disasters or war.
“As a result, airlines cannot refuse responsibility to care for and compensate passengers,” he said.
He noted that flight cancellations can have significant knock-on effects for travellers, forcing them to rearrange itineraries, rebook flights at higher prices and absorb losses from pre-booked accommodation and transport.
Passenger rights for domestic flights
Under Civil Aviation Board Regulation No. 101 on passenger protection for domestic scheduled flights, passengers have the right to choose one of the following:
- Full refund of airfare and fees: Refunds must be processed within 7 days for cash payments and within 45 days for credit cards
- Rebooking on an alternative flight: Airlines must provide a new flight to the same or nearby destination at no extra cost
- Alternative transport: If passengers choose other transport such as buses or vans, airlines must cover the full price difference
Passenger rights for international flights
For international travel, protections align with international standards. Airlines must offer refunds or alternative flights and provide compensation based on distance and delay duration.
Compensation can reach up to around 4,500 baht under Regulation No. 101.
Additional damages
Sophon said airlines often claim responsibility only for ticket costs, but regulations allow passengers to claim compensation for actual damages.
These may include non-refundable hotel bookings or car rentals affected by the cancellation, especially when the disruption stems from airline management decisions such as fuel cost pressures.
How to file a complaint
Passengers who believe they have not received fair compensation can file complaints with:
- Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT): https://auth-itt.caat.or.th
- Thailand Consumers Council: https://complaint.tcc.or.th/complaint
- Authorities also provide online tools to check compensation eligibility under Regulation No. 101.
The guidance comes as flight disruptions linked to fuel price volatility continue, raising concerns over passenger rights and airline accountability.
