Ostend–Bruges International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Delayed and cancelled flights are the most frequent problems faced by travelers. Luckily, 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 European Union Regulation 261/2004 specifies the situations when passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance during 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

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from or arriving at Ostend–Bruges International Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights when facing significant delays or cancellations. 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 must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
• Ticket refund or alternative flight: Travelers have the option to choose between 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.

Ostend–Bruges International Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Travelers experiencing flight delays at Ostend–Bruges International Airport may be eligible for compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The right to compensation is determined by the reason for the delay and whether it complies with UK and EU laws. 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 length 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 required to provide compensation for flight delays due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control.

Ostend–Bruges International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Ostend–Bruges International Airport, according to EU 261, passengers can receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline informs them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.

Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline might 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

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 based on the flight distance and the duration of the delay. You can refer to this 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 typically don’t provide compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions or strikes by air traffic controllers.

Which Ostend–Bruges International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

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

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

How to Claim Compensation from Ostend–Bruges International Airport

Flight disruptions are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you encounter a flight disruption at Ostend–Bruges International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, proceed with these steps:

1. Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

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