What to Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled

If your flight is cancelled, confirm it with the airline, decide whether you want to travel later or get a refund, and keep records of everything. Act quickly: seats on the next flights go fast.

Step by step

1. Confirm the cancellation with the airline, not just a tracker. See how to check if your flight is delayed.
2. Ask for options. Usually these are rebooking on the next available flight, rebooking on another date, or a refund.
3. Rebook quickly. Use the airline’s app, website or desk; if there is a queue, call at the same time.
4. Ask about care. Meals, refreshments or accommodation may be offered for long waits.
5. Get it in writing. Ask for a message or stamp confirming the cancellation.
6. Tell those waiting for you. Share the new flight; see how to track a family member’s flight.
7. Keep receipts for extra costs.

Refund or rebooking?

If you no longer need the trip, ask for a refund of the unused ticket. If you rebook, check the new date and that your connecting flights still work. See refund guides: PIA, Airblue and others.

If you booked through an agent

Contact the agent as well as the airline; refunds may go through the agent.

Check other travel arrangements

Hotels, transfers and onward flights may need changing. Check insurance; see does travel insurance cover delays?.

Know your rights

See passenger rights in Pakistan.

General information only, not legal or safety advice. Details change; check with your airline and the relevant authority. See our editorial policy.