This seems to be a classic case of BA’s deny, delay and obfuscate policy. I’ve read loads on here about the pros and cons of CEDR vs MCOL but ultimately as a first time claimant the process can be a bit daunting and you may want to minimise your own liability when challenging BA.

I found the CEDR process quite straightforward and successfully won my £220 UK261 payout at the first attempt. The flight was during the Easter weekend and I received payment last week, so factor in those sort of timescales in to your expectations.

To speed things up with CEDR, continue to pursue BA until you get a ‘final response’ from them. Once you get this and if you state the facts similar to how you have above then I think you have a good chance of being successful first time round. Were there extraordinary circumstances? No. Did ATC restrictions cause a delay? No.

Ensure you attach a record of all the comms you have between yourself and BA so that the CEDR rep has proof of the booking and BA’s responses etc. This will help minimise delays as CEDR will be less likely to come back and request further evidence which then adds several weeks to the process.