Emirates Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Passengers of Emirates who have experienced a flight cancellation or delay are legally entitled to compensation. According to EU 261/2004, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the steps you need to take to receive the compensation you have a right to from the airline.

Emirates Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation

Before claiming the Emirates 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.

Emirates Compensation for Flight Delay

According to UK and EU laws, 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 reach your final destination.

Here’s an overview of how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by various criteria, 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 may not always receive compensation for every flight delay. Emirates is not obliged to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances outside their control arise. This includes bad weather, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will generally not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.

Emirates Compensation for Flight Cancellation

EU 261 states that airlines have to inform passengers of flight 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, based on the flight distance. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially 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

Even when accepting a different flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined according to two criteria: the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay, according to 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

Emirates doesn’t have to compensate you if they provide 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 Emirates Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?

European Union Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from EU 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, Emirates is not a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to 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 Emirates

If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Emirates, it’s important to be aware 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:

• Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
• 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 get you 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 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

Emirates goes the additional mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.

Right to Care

When flight disruptions occur, Emirates 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: Emirates 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, Emirates provides hotel accommodation. This also 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 immediate assistance.

Rebooking and Refunds

When Emirates cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This option is essential for minimizing travel interruptions and supporting passengers to manage 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, Emirates 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, Emirates will arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. 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 important 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, Emirates shall help 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 ensure this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.

Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations