Passengers of Bhutan Airlines who have faced a flight delay or cancellation are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU 261, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. In this article, we will look at your rights and the actions you should follow to receive the compensation you deserve from the airline.
Bhutan Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Bhutan Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of flight cancellation or delay.
Bhutan Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU laws, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s important to note that this flight delay compensation is calculated using the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you reach your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by several factors, including the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Remember you might not receive compensation for every flight delay. Bhutan Airlines isn’t required to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control arise. This includes bad weather, problems at the airport, or air traffic controller strikes. In these instances, you will generally not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Bhutan Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you could qualify for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, according to the flight distance. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid paying compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
Even when accepting another flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is determined according to two factors: the flight distance and the length of the delay, in line with the table below:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Bhutan Airlines isn’t required to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Moreover, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline workers go on strike.
Are Bhutan Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. This regulation also extends to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Bhutan Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This is true even for their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from Bhutan Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Bhutan Airlines, it’s essential to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. For this reason, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and improve your chances of receiving the compensation you’re entitled to. You might have plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to complete it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Bhutan Airlines goes the additional mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Bhutan Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Bhutan Airlines offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
- Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, Bhutan Airlines arranges hotel accommodation. This covers transportation to and from the airport and the hotel.
- Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.
To access these services, you can simply approach airline staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Bhutan Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This flexibility is essential for minimizing travel inconveniences and supporting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances efficiently.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
- Rebooking: if you choose to continue your trip, Bhutan Airlines will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Bhutan Airlines will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Furthermore, you have the right to be rebooked, including in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s crucial to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re entitled to a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking involves connecting flights, Bhutan Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
18.06.202513:20 | Bhutan Airlines 774 | Kathmandu (KTM) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
14.06.202515:45 | Bhutan Airlines 774 | Kathmandu (KTM) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
11.06.202515:45 | Bhutan Airlines 774 | Kathmandu (KTM) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
10.06.202508:25 | Bhutan Airlines 701 | Kolkata (CCU) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
03.06.202508:25 | Bhutan Airlines 701 | Kolkata (CCU) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
02.06.202515:45 | Bhutan Airlines 774 | Kathmandu (KTM) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
31.05.202515:45 | Bhutan Airlines 774 | Kathmandu (KTM) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
31.05.202510:35 | Bhutan Airlines 700 | Paro (PBH) Kolkata (CCU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
26.05.202515:45 | Bhutan Airlines 774 | Kathmandu (KTM) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
22.05.202508:25 | Bhutan Airlines 701 | Kolkata (CCU) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202515:45 | Bhutan Airlines 774 | Kathmandu (KTM) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
16.05.202508:25 | Bhutan Airlines 701 | Kolkata (CCU) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
29.04.202508:55 | Bhutan Airlines 774 | Kathmandu (KTM) Paro (PBH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
