What happened to KL981
KLM flight KL981 from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to London City Airport, scheduled for 08:50 on Friday, 23 October 2026, was cancelled. If passengers were told less than 14 days before departure, they are usually owed compensation on top of a full refund or a free replacement flight.
Are passengers owed compensation?
Yes, most likely. KL981 departed an EU airport, so it's covered by EU261 whichever airline operated it. The only exception is if KLM can prove the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances outside its control.
| Passengers | Compensation | You keep after 5% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 passenger | €250 | €237.50 |
| 2 passengers | €500 | €475 |
| 3 passengers | €750 | €712.50 |
| 4 passengers | €1,000 | €950 |
What KLM might say
Airlines can refuse compensation for "extraordinary circumstances". Some reasons genuinely count, and many that airlines use don't:
Usually still owed
- Technical faults with the aircraft
- Crew shortages or sickness
- The airline's own staff striking
- Knock-on delays from an earlier flight
Can be a valid excuse
- Severe weather
- Air traffic control restrictions or strikes
- Security alerts or airport closures
- Bird strikes, if handled properly
The airline has to prove the cause. We check the reason KLM gives and challenge refusals that don't hold up.
How to claim for KL981
- 1
Check your flight
Enter KL981 and Friday, 23 October 2026. We verify the delay against flight data.
- 2
Add your passengers
Everyone on the booking can claim, including children. Your booking reference is enough to start.
- 3
We deal with the airline
We send the claim to KLM, chase it and challenge any unfair refusal. The airline pays you directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for KL981 on Friday, 23 October 2026?+
Very likely, yes. KL981 from Amsterdam to London was cancelled, which is the kind of disruption EU261 pays compensation for, unless KLM can prove it was caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or an air traffic control restriction.
How much compensation is KL981 worth?+
€250 per passenger under EU261, based on a flight distance of about 335km. Every passenger on the booking can claim, including children, so a family of four could be owed €1,000.
What if KLM says it was extraordinary circumstances?+
Airlines often say this, but technical faults, staff shortages, crew sickness, the airline's own staff striking and knock-on delays from earlier flights do not count. The airline has to prove the cause. We check the reason given and challenge refusals that don't hold up.
How long do I have to claim?+
Up to 6 years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 5 years in Scotland. There's no need to rush, but claims are easier while your booking details and messages from the airline are to hand.
Do I need my boarding pass to start?+
No. Your booking reference and the names of the passengers are enough to start. If anything else is needed later, such as a boarding pass or ID, we'll ask.