Qatar airways 12 hour delay

MBYherts

Hello.
We recently travelled Qatar airways. London to Sri Lanka via Doha and return Sri Lanka to London via Doha. On the return, the flight from Sri Lanka to Doha was delayed over 3 hours due to the late arrival of the incoming aircraft from Doha to Sri Lanka. This meant we missed our connecting flight to London resulting in a 12 hour delay in arriving at Heathrow. All flights were booked together through Qatar Airways and had Qatar flight numbers.
Having contacted them they have refused any compensation based on the fact they don't come under the European rules. My understanding is that if the journey was starting or ending in the UK then it matters not which airline is involved and that they are liable. Does it matter that the delayed flight was the first part of the return journey and not the flight from Doha to London? I believe that as the final destination is London that does not matter as it is one journey. Am I correct in this? 
Also, how does one find the official reason for a flight delay (not just what the airline tells you the reason is)?
I have seen on other threads that Qatar will try to refuse payment by the use of any excuse possible.
I would appreciate any advice to help us pursue our claim. 

Thank you

Westin

Qatar is correct.  As you flew on a non EU/UK carrier and departed from a non EU/UK airport, then flight delay compensation under EU261/UK261 is NOT payable.   Had your outbound ex LHR flight been the delayed one then you would have been covered.

I am unaware of any similar (to EU261) compensation plans under Qatari or Sri Lankan legislation.

Hope you enjoyed Sri Lanka.

eskbanker

MBYherts said:

My understanding is that if the journey was starting or ending in the UK then it matters not which airline is involved and that they are liable.

As above, that was a misunderstanding, as flights to the UK are only in the scope of the UK regulations if the airline is a UK/EU one:

This Regulation shall apply:

(a) to passengers departing from an airport located in the United Kingdom;

(b) to passengers departing from an airport located in a country other than the United Kingdom to an airport situated in—

(i) the United Kingdom if the operating air carrier of the flight concerned is a Community carrier or a UK air carrier; or

(ii) the territory of a Member State to which the Treaty applies if the operating air carrier of the flight concerned is a UK air carrier,

unless the passengers received benefits or compensation and were given assistance in that other country.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2004/261/article/3

The EU regulations are much the same, although would cover any flight from the EU to the UK.

Caz3121

MBYherts said:

 My understanding is that if the journey was starting or ending in the UK then it matters not which airline is involved and that they are liable. Does it matter that the delayed flight was the first part of the return journey and not the flight from Doha to London? I believe that as the final destination is London that does not matter as it is one journey. Am I correct in this? 

you have misunderstood, your flight delay is not covered.

have a look at Step 1 in this article https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/flight-delay-compensation/#regulated

 Here's what's covered:

• ANY FLIGHT leaving a UK/EU airport
• ANY UK or EU AIRLINE arriving at a UK/EU airport