Passengers of Air Botswana who have faced a flight cancellation or delay have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the actions you need to take to obtain the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Air Botswana Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Air Botswana compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of delay or flight cancellation.
Air Botswana 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 crucial to note that this flight delay compensation is based on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim relies on the actual time you reach your final destination.
Here’s an overview of how much compensation you could be eligible for if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by several factors, such as 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 be compensated for every flight delay. Air Botswana isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control arise. This includes bad weather, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these instances, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Air Botswana Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines are required to notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance. Nonetheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid 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 |
When accepting a different flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated according to two factors: the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, according to 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 |
Air Botswana doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Also, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline staff goes on strike.
Are Air Botswana Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Air Botswana isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required 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 Air Botswana
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Air Botswana, it’s crucial to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. That’s why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and improve your chances of receiving the compensation you’re owed. You may have plenty of time after your flight to submit 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
Air Botswana goes the additional mile to help passengers during travel disruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Air Botswana is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU 261, becomes applicable when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Food and Drinks: 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: Air Botswana 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, Air Botswana provides hotel room accommodation. This also includes 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 instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Air Botswana cancels a flight, passengers have the option to receive a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel interruptions and assisting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances efficiently.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can receive 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, Air Botswana shall 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, Air Botswana shall arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, even 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 eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking involves connecting flights, Air Botswana shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not just 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
20.06.202514:00 | Air Botswana 44 | Gaborone (GBE) Francistown (FRW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202516:10 | Air Botswana 20 | Gaborone (GBE) Kasane (BBK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202509:30 | Air Botswana 43 | Francistown (FRW) Gaborone (GBE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
15.06.202518:20 | Air Botswana 32 | Gaborone (GBE) Maun (MUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
09.06.202514:00 | Air Botswana 211 | Maun (MUB) Johannesburg (JNB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
09.06.202513:40 | Air Botswana 30 | Maun (MUB) Kasane (BBK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
09.06.202511:40 | Air Botswana 212 | Johannesburg (JNB) Maun (MUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
08.06.202518:20 | Air Botswana 32 | Gaborone (GBE) Maun (MUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
02.06.202515:30 | Air Botswana 33 | Maun (MUB) Gaborone (GBE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
02.06.202514:00 | Air Botswana 32 | Gaborone (GBE) Maun (MUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
01.06.202515:00 | Air Botswana 44 | Gaborone (GBE) Francistown (FRW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.05.202518:00 | Air Botswana 43 | Francistown (FRW) Gaborone (GBE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202516:30 | Air Botswana 43 | Francistown (FRW) Gaborone (GBE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
25.05.202514:30 | Air Botswana 20 | Gaborone (GBE) Kasane (BBK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202517:10 | Air Botswana 33 | Maun (MUB) Gaborone (GBE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202515:50 | Air Botswana 33 | Kasane (BBK) Maun (MUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
24.05.202514:20 | Air Botswana 30 | Maun (MUB) Kasane (BBK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202520:20 | Air Botswana 33 | Maun (MUB) Gaborone (GBE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202518:50 | Air Botswana 32 | Gaborone (GBE) Maun (MUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
23.05.202515:00 | Air Botswana 44 | Gaborone (GBE) Francistown (FRW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202516:00 | Air Botswana 35 | Maun (MUB) Gaborone (GBE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202514:15 | Air Botswana 34 | Gaborone (GBE) Maun (MUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202510:00 | Air Botswana 43 | Francistown (FRW) Gaborone (GBE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
21.05.202508:30 | Air Botswana 44 | Gaborone (GBE) Francistown (FRW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.05.202513:40 | Air Botswana 30 | Maun (MUB) Kasane (BBK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
16.05.202516:00 | Air Botswana 44 | Gaborone (GBE) Francistown (FRW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
15.05.202514:45 | Air Botswana 33 | Kasane (BBK) Maun (MUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
15.05.202513:00 | Air Botswana 32 | Maun (MUB) Kasane (BBK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
14.05.202506:45 | Air Botswana 44 | Gaborone (GBE) Francistown (FRW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
11.05.202517:40 | Air Botswana 32 | Gaborone (GBE) Maun (MUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
05.05.202516:35 | Air Botswana 21 | Francistown (FRW) Gaborone (GBE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
05.05.202515:05 | Air Botswana 21 | Kasane (BBK) Francistown (FRW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
05.05.202513:40 | Air Botswana 30 | Maun (MUB) Kasane (BBK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
04.05.202514:15 | Air Botswana 241 | Gaborone (GBE) Durban (DUR) | delayed | Claim Refund |
01.05.202516:20 | Air Botswana 32 | Maun (MUB) Kasane (BBK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.04.202517:20 | Air Botswana 312 | Lusaka (LUN) Harare (HRE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
30.04.202514:15 | Air Botswana 34 | Gaborone (GBE) Maun (MUB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
27.04.202514:15 | Air Botswana 44 | Gaborone (GBE) Francistown (FRW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
