Cancelled flight: when you are entitled to a compensation

The cancellation of a flight is one of the most frustrating experiences for air travelers, especially when it occurs without notice or without an adequate alternative solution.

In Europe, passenger rights are protected under Regulation EC 261/2004, which establishes when it is possible to obtain financial compensation and what obligations the airline has.

Flight cancellation is one of the main situations that can give rise to compensation, along with delayed flight and denied boarding due to overbooking. For a complete overview of all cases covered by the regulation, you can consult the general Flight Compensation guide.

 

When a cancellation entitles you to a compensation

You may be entitled to compensation if:

• the flight is cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice

• the cancellation is attributable to the airline

• the alternative solution offered results in a significantly later arrival than scheduled

In these cases, passengers may receive financial compensation of up to €600, depending on the flight distance.

 

Amount of compensation for cancelled flight

The compensation amount provided by Regulation EC 261/2004 varies based on the flight distance.

Flight Distance	Compensation
Up to 1500 km	€250
Between 1500 km and 3500 km	€400
Over 3500 km	€600

 

Compensation is flat-rate and does not depend on the ticket price.

 

Practical example

If a Milan – Madrid flight is cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice and the airline offers a rebooking that arrives several hours later than scheduled, the passenger may be entitled to €250 compensation, in addition to choosing between a ticket refund or an alternative flight.

 

Refund or compensation: what’s the difference?

When a flight is cancelled, it is important to distinguish between a ticket refund and financial compensation.

The refund consists of returning the price paid for the flight if the passenger chooses not to accept the alternative offered by the airline.

Financial compensation, on the other hand, is a flat-rate sum provided by Regulation EC 261/2004, which can reach up to €600, regardless of the ticket price.

In some situations, passengers may be entitled to both a refund and compensation.

 

Rebooking on another flight

When a flight is cancelled, the airline must offer the passenger one of the following options:

• ticket refund

• rebooking on the first available flight

• rebooking on a later date chosen by the passenger

If the new solution results in a significant delay upon arrival, the right to financial compensation may still apply.

 

Assistance while waiting

In case of flight cancellation, the airline must provide assistance to passengers waiting for a new departure.

Main rights under Regulation EC 261/2004 include:

• meals and beverages

• two free communications

• hotel accommodation (if necessary)

• transport between airport and hotel

These rights also apply even when the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances.

 

Extraordinary circumstances

Financial compensation may not be granted if the cancellation is caused by events beyond the airline’s control, such as:

• severe weather conditions

• air traffic control strikes

• security emergencies

In such cases, the airline may be exempt from liability under Regulation EC 261/2004 and the Montreal Convention.

 

How cancellations are evaluated

To determine if you are entitled to compensation, several factors are considered:

• when the cancellation was communicated

• the flight distance

• the alternative solution offered

• the presence or absence of extraordinary circumstances

Major airlines operating in Europe, such as Ryanair, easyJet and Qatar Airways are subject to these rules.

 

Check your compensation eligibility

If your flight has been cancelled, you can check your situation immediately to see if you are entitled to compensation under European regulations.

Check if you are entitled to flight compensation

 

FAQ – Cancelled flight

 

1. If the cancellation is notified 14 days in advance, am I entitled to a refund?
Generally no. If the passenger is informed at least 14 days in advance, financial compensation is not due.

 

2. Can I claim both a refund and compensation?
In some situations, yes. If the flight is cancelled, you may be entitled to both a ticket refund and compensation under Regulation EC 261/2004.

 

3. How much can I receive?
Compensation can be up to €600, depending on the flight distance.

 

4. Does the airline have to offer an alternative flight?
Yes. In case of cancellation, the airline must offer an alternative travel solution or a refund of the ticket.