Passengers of Air Zimbabwe who have experienced a flight delay or cancellation have a legal right to compensation. According to EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. In this article, we’ll examine your rights and the actions you need to take to obtain the compensation you are entitled to from the airline.
Air Zimbabwe Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Air Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU regulations, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. 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 hinges on the actual time you land at your destination airport.
Here’s an overview of how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on several factors, including the duration of the delay and the route length 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 may not be compensated for every flight delay. Air Zimbabwe is not obliged to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control arise. This includes severe weather conditions, problems at the airport, or air traffic controller strikes. In these cases, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Air Zimbabwe Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU 261 states that airlines must notify passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the distance of the flight. Nevertheless, 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 |
When accepting an alternative flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is calculated based on two criteria: the flight distance and the length of the delay, in line with the table provided 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 Zimbabwe doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives around the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you generally 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 workers go on strike.
Are Air Zimbabwe Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. It also applies to flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Air Zimbabwe is not 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 Zimbabwe
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Air Zimbabwe, it’s important to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. That’s why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged 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 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
Air Zimbabwe goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel disruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Air Zimbabwe 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:
- 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: Air Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe provides hotel accommodation. This covers transportation between 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 Zimbabwe cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel interruptions and supporting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- 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 journey, Air Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Furthermore, 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 essential 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 includes connecting flights, Air Zimbabwe shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as easy 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 |
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