Cancelled flight compensation

Flight cancellation compensation: what every passenger should know

Few experiences are more frustrating than arriving at the airport, only to discover that your flight has been canceled. Plans are disrupted, time is lost, and unexpected expenses often follow. Yet, under European law, passengers are protected in such situations. If your flight was canceled without proper notice, you may be entitled to financial compensation and assistance.

At AirClaim, we help travelers understand their rights and obtain the compensation they deserve. Our team simplifies the legal process, communicates directly with the airline, and ensures that your claim is handled quickly and efficiently.

When can you claim compensation for a canceled flight?

Under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, passengers are entitled to compensation if their flight is canceled and they were not notified at least 14 days in advance. This regulation applies to all flights departing from an EU airport or arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline.

You are also eligible if:

The airline failed to provide a reasonable alternative flight.
The alternative offered caused a significant delay in your arrival time.
The cancellation was not due to “extraordinary circumstances” such as severe weather, air traffic restrictions, or security risks.

When these conditions are met, passengers can file a claim for flight cancellation compensation, ensuring that their inconvenience is properly addressed.

For more guidance, you can explore our Know Your Rights page, where we explain in detail how EU regulations protect you as a traveler.

How much compensation can you receive?

The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the flight distance and delay duration caused by the cancellation. According to EU law:

€250 for flights under 1,500 km
€400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
€600 for flights over 3,500 km (with a delay exceeding 4 hours)

If the airline offers you a rerouted flight that reaches your destination only a few hours later than planned, the compensation might be reduced by 50%.

However, beyond the financial aspect, passengers are also entitled to assistance while waiting for the next available flight. This includes meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation, transportation to the hotel, and two free communications (phone calls, emails, or faxes).

What if the airline offers a refund or rebooking?

When a flight is canceled, airlines are required to give passengers the choice between:

A full refund of the unused portion of the ticket.
Rebooking on the next available flight to the same destination.
A later flight at a convenient date for the passenger.

It is important to know that accepting a refund does not automatically cancel your right to compensation. If the cancellation met the conditions of EU Regulation 261/2004, you may still file a separate claim.

At AirClaim, our experts review each case carefully to determine the best approach, ensuring that travelers receive both their refund and their rightful compensation whenever applicable.

Understanding “extraordinary circumstances”

There are cases where airlines are exempt from paying compensation. These are known as extraordinary circumstances—situations beyond the airline’s control. They may include:

Extreme weather conditions
Air traffic control strikes
Political instability or security risks
Bird strikes or sudden aircraft technical failures

However, airlines sometimes invoke “extraordinary circumstances” too broadly. Many cancellations are, in fact, avoidable and remain the airline’s responsibility.

Our team at AirClaim analyzes every claim in detail to determine whether the airline’s reason for cancellation is valid. If the justification does not meet the legal definition, we pursue the compensation you are entitled to.

What documents do you need to file a claim?

Filing a compensation claim is easier when you have the right documents ready. We recommend keeping:

Your flight booking confirmation or e-ticket
Boarding pass (if available)
Communication from the airline regarding the cancellation
Receipts for additional expenses (meals, hotels, transportation)

These documents help verify the circumstances and strengthen your case.

If you’re unsure where to start, our online form guides you step-by-step through the process. Simply enter your flight details, and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible for compensation.

How the AirClaim process works

At AirClaim, we handle the entire process on your behalf - from the moment you file your claim to the time you receive your payment.

Check your eligibility: use our free online calculator to determine whether your canceled flight qualifies for compensation.
Submit your claim: provide basic flight details and upload any supporting documents.
We handle communication: our legal experts contact the airline and negotiate directly on your behalf.
Receive your compensation: once approved, the compensation is transferred directly to your account.

We operate on a “No Win, No Fee” basis - meaning you only pay a fee if we successfully recover your compensation.

To learn more about how we assist passengers, visit our page on Delayed Flight Compensation.

What about other flight fisruptions?

While flight cancellations are common, EU Regulation 261/2004 also protects passengers in other situations. You may be entitled to compensation if:

Your flight was delayed by more than three hours.
You were denied boarding due to overbooking.
You missed a connecting flight and arrived late at your final destination.
Your baggage was lost, delayed, or damaged by the airline.

If you have experienced any of these issues, you can rely on our team to review your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.

For useful travel insights and tips on how to avoid flight disruptions, visit our Travel Blog.

Why work with AirClaim?

Navigating airline policies and legal procedures can be overwhelming, especially when time is limited. At AirClaim, we simplify the process so passengers can focus on what truly matters - continuing their journey with peace of mind.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Over six years of experience in air passenger rights
More than 100,000 clients served across Europe
Over €20 million in recovered compensation
Support in four languages

We believe every traveler deserves fair treatment. Whether your flight was canceled, delayed, or disrupted for any reason, we are here to ensure that your rights are protected.

Know your rights. Claim what you deserve.

Understanding your rights as a passenger makes every journey safer and less stressful. If your flight was canceled without sufficient notice, you have a legal right to compensation - and we can help you claim it with confidence.

Check your eligibility today and let our team guide you through the process.

👉 Verify your flight and start your claim with AirClaim

Or explore more resources on our Know Your Rights section to stay informed about all situations covered by EU law.