Cancelled flight?

Flight cancellations can be stressful, but the good news is that under EU Regulation 261/2004, air passengers have strong rights. If your flight was cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600, a full refund, or rerouting to your destination.

When can you claim compensation for a cancelled flight?

The EU regulation protects air passengers when flights are cancelled, delayed, or overbooked. It applies to:

• Any flight departing from an EU airport (including Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland).
• Flights arriving in the EU with an EU-based airline.

Even if you are not an EU citizen, you are still protected under EU261 if your journey falls under these rules.

You may be eligible for flight cancellation compensation if:

• Your flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
• The cancellation was within the airline's control.
• You had a confirmed booking and checked in on time.

Extraordinary circumstances (such as extreme weather, airport closures, security risks, political unrest, or air traffic control strikes) usually mean the airline does not have to pay compensation. However, even in these cases, you still have the right to a refund or rerouting.

How much compensation can you claim?

The amount you can claim depends on the flight distance and your arrival time at the final destination:

• €250 – Flights up to 1,500 km
• €400 – Flights within the EU over 1,500 km or other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
• €600 – Flights over 3,500 km

Addtionally, if your flight is cancelled and you are left waiting, the airline must provide:

• Meals and refreshments
• Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required
• Transport between the airport and the hotel
• Access to communication (phone calls, emails, or internet access)

Frequently Asked Questions about cancelled flights

Here are some FAQs about canceled flights:

How long do I have to claim for a cancelled flight?
This depends on the country, but in most cases you have 2–5 years to file a claim.

Do I still get compensation if the airline offered me a voucher?
You do not have to accept vouchers. Under EU261, you have the right to cash compensation or a bank transfer.

Can I claim compensation if I missed a connecting flight due to a cancellation?
Yes. If your journey was booked under one ticket and the cancellation caused you to miss a connection, you can claim compensation for the final destination delay, not just the cancelled leg.

Does EU261 apply to non-EU airlines?
Yes, if your flight departed from an EU airport. If your flight arrived in the EU, the airline must be EU-based for EU261 to apply.

Can I claim for a cancelled business trip flight?
Yes. Compensation goes to the passenger, not the person or company who paid for the ticket.