Crabb and others (Appellants/Claimants) v TUI Airways Limited (Respondent/Defendant)

Wednesday 13 – Thursday 14 May 2026

The Appellants appeal the decision of the High Court dated 11 October 2024 in which the Appellants/Claimants’ claims against the Respondent were dismissed.

The Appellants are pilots employed by the Respondent who are unable to fly due to illness and therefore receive payments under an income protection scheme. They began their absence under a Permanent Health Insurance (PHI) scheme but were later moved to a less favourable Personal Income Protection (PIP) scheme following a collective agreement between the Respondent and the pilots’ union.

Before the High Court, the Appellants argued that the PHI Handbook formed part of their employment contracts and entitled them to benefits until age 65 (or state pension age if higher). They also claimed that, because they were already “in claim”, the Handbook protected them from changes to the scheme.

Lower Court Judgment

Appellants’ Skeleton Argument

Respondent’s Skeleton Argument

View Hearing:

Day 1

Part 1

Part 2

Day 2