Cancelled flight — your rights to compensation under EU261

When is a flight considered cancelled?

A flight is considered cancelled when the original flight is not operated and passengers either:

• are rebooked onto another flight, or
• receive a refund instead of travelling

Major schedule changes can also be treated as a cancellation in practice — we’ll help assess that when you submit your claim.

When can you receive financial compensation?

You may be entitled to compensation under EU261 if:

• the flight is cancelled on short notice (usually less than 14 days before departure)
• the rerouting causes you to arrive significantly later than planned
• the airline is responsible for the reason behind the cancellation

The exact rules depend on when you were informed and what alternative travel was offered. FlightClaimly helps you work out what applies in your case.

How much compensation can you receive?

The compensation amount depends on the flight distance and how much your journey is affected. Common fixed amounts under EU261 include:

• up to €250 for shorter flights (approx. 0–1,500 km)
• up to €400 for mid-range flights within the EU or up to 3,500 km
• up to €600 for longer international flights

Amounts may be reduced if the airline offers rerouting that gets you to your destination with only a small delay. We analyse this for you when you submit your claim.

Rerouting or refund — you have the right to choose

When a flight is cancelled, you usually have the right to choose between:

• rerouting to a later flight as soon as possible, or
• a refund of the ticket price for the segment you could not travel

In some situations, you may also be entitled to reimbursement of extra costs — for example hotel or transport — if you are forced to stay longer at your destination.

When can the airline refuse compensation?

The airline may avoid paying compensation if the cancellation was caused by “extraordinary circumstances”, for example:

• severe weather or natural disasters
• security threats or airspace closures
• strikes the airline cannot control

Technical issues, staff shortages or internal airline problems often do not count as extraordinary circumstances. Many rejections are incorrect — we can help you push back.

Examples: when you may be entitled to compensation

• You’re notified 3 days before departure that your flight is cancelled, and the offered rerouting makes you arrive many hours later — compensation may apply.
• The airline cancels your evening flight due to a technical issue and rebooks you to the next day — you may be entitled to both compensation and hotel.
• Your flight is cancelled the same day without a clear explanation and you have to buy a new ticket with another airline — this may also qualify.

Want to go deeper into the rules?

On the page Your rights you’ll find a broader overview of EU261 and which situations are covered.

You can also read our FAQ with short answers to common questions.