It is too early to say whether the airlines will be able to claim that the circumstances of the current dispute were beyond their control.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Q&A: Grounded BA passengers

So, a volcano is an 'act of God', weather is an 'act of God', even a civil disturbance - any event beyond the airline's control - can be considered an 'act of God'.

BBC: How to minimise the effect of travel disasters

While economic figures can always be put down to greater forces beyond the chancellor's control, these kind of fiascos are home-grown.

BBC: Jobless put Schroeder on the line

He said he would not make "promises that can not be kept" on cutting immigration from within the EU, which is beyond the control of British governments.

BBC: UK Politics

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