Cancelled Flight

A flight is not always the pleasant experience you had planned. Unfortunately, many flights are cancelled. If your flight is cancelled, you may be able to receive compensation of up to EUR 600 per passenger under European law.

Read on for more comprehensive information on how to exercise your rights to financial compensation.

What are the conditions for receiving compensation in the event of a cancelled flight?

What are the conditions for receiving compensation in the event of a cancelled flight?

• Your cancelled flight was supposed to depart from an EU country.
• Your cancelled flight was supposed to land in an EU country if the airline is European.
• The cancellation was not due to unforeseen reasons beyond the control of the airline.
• Your flight was in the last few years (see detailed time limits table according to the different countries).

How much compensation might you be entitled to for a flight cancellation?

According to European law EU 261/2004, when the flight is cancelled, the passenger may be entitled to financial compensation depending on the direct distance between the point of departure and the final landing point of the flight.

Calculation of the amount of compensation depending on the flight distance

The table below details the expected amount of compensation depending on the flight distance:

Which airlines are subject to EC 261/2004?

The table below details the entitlement to compensation in the event of a flight cancellation depending on the identity of the airline:

* An airline incorporated in one of the European Union countries.

How long after the flight date can you claim compensation?

The table below lists the statute of limitations for filing claims for compensation in court according to the different countries:

Country	Time Limit (from time of the flight disruption)
Luxembourg, Sweden (you must inform the airline within 2 months), Switzerland	10 years
Cyprus, England, Ireland	6 years
France, Greece, Hungary (Wizz Air- 2 years to file a claim), Scotland, Spain	5 years
Iceland	4 years
Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic (you must inform the airline within 6 months), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany (the time limit is on the last day (December 31) of the 3rd year), Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Romania	3 years
Croatia, Italy (international flights), Malta, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey	2 years
Belgium, Italy (domestic flights), Poland	1 year

* Do not rely on the information in this table, as the statute of limitations may change from time to time in different countries, and therefore, you should update yourself on the current legal situation by reviewing the law applicable in that country as of the date of your request.

What is considered an extraordinary circumstance that will allow the airline not to pay compensation?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, “extraordinary circumstances” are events beyond the airline’s actual control that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. These include severe weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions, airport closures, political instability, security risks, strikes by third parties (such as air traffic controllers), and unexpected flight safety shortcomings like hidden manufacturing defects. Routine technical problems or crew shortages are not considered extraordinary.

Does the cancellation of a previous flight that caused your flight to be canceled entitle you to compensation?

Yes, in most cases you are entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 if your flight is cancelled because the aircraft did not arrive from a previous flight. It was ruled that such cancellations are part of the airline’s normal operations and do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances. Therefore, unless the original cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, passengers may claim compensation if the cancellation of their flight meets the required thresholds.

How is the amount of compensation calculated in accordance with EC 261/2004 in the event of a flight cancellation?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight is cancelled, provided certain conditions are met. The compensation amount is determined by the flight distance and it is meant to compensate for the inconvenience caused by the disruption.

Conditions for Compensation

1. Eligibility: Compensation is applicable if the flight is cancelled. The regulation covers both EU and non-EU airlines, but the airline must be based in the EU or the flight must depart from an EU airport.

2. Extraordinary Circumstances: If the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, strikes (not caused by the airline), or air traffic control restrictions, the airline is not required to pay compensation. However, if the cancellation is within the airline’s control (e.g., technical issues), compensation is owed.

Compensation Amounts

The compensation varies depending on the distance of the flight:

• For flights up to 1,500 km:

Compensation: €250

• For intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and other flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km:

Compensation: €400

• For flights over 3,500 km:

Compensation: €600

Special Considerations

1. Reduction in Compensation: If the airline offers rerouting and the delay at the final destination is less than 3 hours (on flights under 3,500 km), or 4 hours (on flights over 3,500 km), the compensation amount may be reduced by 50%.

2. Care and Assistance: Airlines must provide passengers with food, beverage, and accommodation if necessary.

What types of flights are subject to European Regulation EC 261/2004?

European Regulation EC 261/2004 applies to a variety of airlines, but its applicability depends primarily on the departure and arrival locations of the flight, as well as the airline’s operating base. The regulation is designed to protect passengers’ rights in the event of flight cancellations, long delays, and denied boarding. Here’s an overview of which airlines are subject to the regulation:

1. EU-Based Airlines

EU-based airlines are automatically subject to EC 261/2004 for all flights they operate, whether within the EU, to the EU, or from the EU. This includes both domestic and international flights.

Examples of EU-based airlines: Air France (France), Lufthansa (Germany), British Airways (UK), KLM (Netherlands), Ryanair (Ireland), Iberia (Spain).

For any flight operated by these airlines, the regulation applies, regardless of whether the flight is within the EU or to/from non-EU destinations.

2. Non-EU Airlines Operating from an EU Airport

EC 261/2004 also applies to non-EU airlines operating flights departing from an EU airport. This means that even if the airline is based outside the EU, if it operates a flight from an EU airport, it must comply with the regulation.

Examples of non-EU airlines operating from the EU: American Airlines (USA), Delta Airlines (USA), Emirates (UAE), Qatar Airways (Qatar), Singapore Airlines (Singapore).

These airlines are subject to EC 261/2004 when they operate flights departing from any EU airport. For example, a flight from London to New York on Delta Airlines is covered by the regulation.

3. Non-EU Airlines Arriving at an EU Airport

EC 261/2004 does not apply to non-EU airlines flying into the EU, unless the flight is departing from an EU airport. Therefore, flights operated by non-EU airlines arriving in the EU, but departing from a non-EU airport, are not covered by the regulation. For example, a flight from New York to London operated by Delta Airlines (USA) would not be subject to EC 261/2004, as it is arriving from a non-EU country.

Frequently questions about flight cancellations

What compensation am I entitled to if my flight was cancelled?

Under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, if your flight is cancelled, you’re entitled to a refund or rerouting, plus care (meals, refreshments, hotel if needed). You may also receive compensation unless the airline proves “extraordinary circumstances.” Compensation amounts are €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and other flights 1,500–3,500 km, and €600 for flights over 3,500 km.

Can I claim compensation for a cancelled flight caused by bad weather?

You generally cannot claim compensation for a flight cancellation caused by bad weather, as it is considered an extraordinary circumstance beyond the airline’s control under EU Regulation 261/2004 and similar rules elsewhere. Weather-related disruptions, such as storms, fog, or heavy snow, are safety-related issues that airlines cannot prevent or avoid. However, the airline must still provide assistance, including meals, beverage and accommodation if necessary.

Can I claim compensation for a cancelled flight caused by a strike?

Whether you can claim compensation for a flight cancellation caused by a strike depends on who is striking. If the strike is caused by airline staff (e.g., pilots, ground crew), you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004, as it’s within the airline’s control. However, if the strike is by third parties (e.g., air traffic controllers or airport staff), it is considered an extraordinary circumstance, and you cannot claim compensation. Regardless of the cause, the airline must still provide assistance like meals, beverage and accommodation if needed.

Do I deserve compensation if I flew on a non-European airline?

Whether you deserve compensation for a cancelled flight on a non-European airline depends on the flight’s origin and destination. If your flight originates in the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 applies, even if the airline is non-European, and you may be entitled to compensation for flight cancellations. If the flight arrives in the EU but originates outside the EU, compensation rules typically depend on the airline’s country of origin. For non-EU flights, compensation may not apply unless specific national regulations or travel insurance provide coverage. Always check with us your entitlement for compensation.