Athens International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent problems experienced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU Regulation 261, which guarantees that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU Regulation 261/2004 specifies the situations when passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in the event of flight disruption.

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

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers traveling to or from Athens International 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 needed, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
• Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers may select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
• Compensation: Based on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers may be eligible for financial compensation between €250 to €600.

Athens International Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Passengers experiencing flight delays at Athens International Airport may be entitled to 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 complies with UK and EU regulations. The amount of compensation is calculated 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 delays due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Athens International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Athens International Airport, under EU 261, passengers may receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies 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 certain 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

Compensation might still be available even if you agree to an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is determined by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can refer to the table below to figure out the amount of compensation you are entitled to:

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 provide compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.

Which Athens International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

If you are departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation ensures that you have certain rights in the event of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and related issues. Here’s a more detailed table of which cases are protected by EU Regulation 261 and which are not:

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

How to Claim Compensation from Athens International Airport

Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Athens International Airport, you could be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, take the following steps:

1. Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.

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