Hi All – long time viewer of this forum and have gained a lot of valuable information – thank you.

I have a question about delay compensation.

Here is my situation:

• Travelled on 15th July 2021 BA296 Chicago (ORD) – London (LHR), then 16th July 2021 BA2696 London (LHR) – Faro (FAO) all on one ticket.
• Received an email from BA about change of departure time on LHR-FAO leg on the same day as leaving from Chicago. Time changed from arriving in FAO @ 4:10pm to 5:55pm due to operational constraints.
• BA2696 was further delayed an additional 2 hour 16 minutes as the flight returned to stand after departure from gate due to a technical issue.
• Flight eventually arrived in Faro over 4 hours late when you combine the change of departure time with the additional delay.

I contacted BA customer services to apply for compensation for the delay and this was denied as they would only recognize the second delay.
Their response regarding the original change of departure time (which was notified only one day before the actual departure date) was ‘The flight change may have been made however it doesn't constitute as a delay to the actual flight time of the aircraft.’ and ‘I can confirm that schedule changes aren't included in an EU claim. EU compensation is based on the delay of the flight from the new flight times.’

Is this correct? – it seems a bit unfair that BA can change the departure time within one day of a flight ‘s scheduled departure that would avoid them having to pay compensation.
They have confirmed my only option now is take this to CEDR.

Looking for advice if what BA have stated is correct and if I should take this case to CEDR.

Thank you in advance for any advice.