My issue is not with the technicalities of the compensation rules. It's with a broader lack of interest by BA. In the olden days BA would have responded with a better personality, more concern, a desire to fix the underlying issue. Now I feel they are interested in ruling out a small payment rather than improving service.
What would the airline be expected to do if the airport is unable to allow its passengers to disembark?
I don't think that most EC261 claims would get much more personal than address the issues as to why compensation is not due. There seem to be plenty of times where it will try to avoid payment where it is due, but this doesn't seem to be such a case
I cannot imagine that other airlines would be much different