My partner and I had tickets from LHR-AMS and the flight was cancelled 2 days prior to departure and the alternative flight got us to AMS 5 hours later. We had to fly in the night before as we had a connection on AA to DFW. Customer service replied saying:
‘The COVID-19 pandemic is an external factor, which is beyond the control of the airline and is an “extraordinary circumstance”. It is not inherent in the normal activity of the airline and could not have been anticipated. And as such they don’t have to honor the EU compensation.

I understand that covid means less flying and they can change the schedule, but to do so two days prior to departure I feel isn’t really fair to say that it is beyond their control. Has anyone else come across this and actually got the compensation?