Helsinki Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent problems experienced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The European Union Regulation 261/2004 defines the situations when passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.

In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers traveling to or from Helsinki Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights in case of significant cancellations or delays. These rights include:

• Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and refreshments during the waiting period.
• Access to means of communication: Passengers should be provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
• Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is required, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
• Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers can select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
• Compensation: Depending on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.

Helsinki Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Travelers experiencing flight delays at Helsinki Airport might be eligible for compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The eligibility for compensation is determined by the reason for the delay and whether it adheres to UK and EU regulations. The amount of compensation is based on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay.

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

Keep in mind that airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for flight delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Helsinki Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Helsinki Airport, according to EU 261/2004, passengers may get compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.

Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline may be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets specific criteria, letting you arrive at your destination with the minimal delay possible:

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

Financial compensation might still be available even if you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay. You can check the following table to figure out the compensation amount you are eligible for:

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

Keep in mind that airlines usually don’t offer compensation for flight cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as severe weather or air traffic control strikes.

Which Helsinki Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation guarantees that you have certain rights in the event of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and other similar situations. Here’s a more detailed table of what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:

Itinerary	EU Airline	Non-EU Airline
Departures from Helsinki Airport to anywhere	Yes	Yes
Arrivals at Helsinki Airport from inside the EU	Yes	No
Arrivals at Helsinki Airport from outside the EU	Yes	No

How to Claim Compensation from Helsinki Airport

Flight delays and cancellations often occur due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Helsinki Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate your compensation claim, follow these steps:

1. Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

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