Curaçao International Airport Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation

Cancelled and delayed flights are the most common problems experienced by travelers. Fortunately, the European Union has EU Regulation 261/2004, 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 specifies the conditions in which passengers are entitled to compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about European Union Regulation 261 and in which situations you are entitled to compensation.

Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004

Under EU Regulation 261/2004, travelers arriving at Curaçao International Airport from EU countries or departing from Curaçao International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by airlines from the EU have specific rights. These rights include:

• Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper meals and beverages 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 must provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
• Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers have the option to 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 might be entitled to financial compensation between €250 to €600.

Curaçao International Airport Flight Delay Compensation

Flyers encountering flight delays at Curaçao International Airport might 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 decided by the reason for the delay and whether it adheres to UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is determined 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 obligated to provide compensation for delays resulting from extraordinary circumstances outside their control.

Curaçao International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation

In case of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Curaçao International Airport, under EU 261, travelers are eligible to 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 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

Compensation could still be available even though 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 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 typically don’t provide compensation for flight cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather conditions or air traffic control strikes.

Which Curaçao International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?

Although Curaçao International Airport isn’t within the EU, European Union Regulation 261/2004 may still apply to some flights. Travelers arriving at Curaçao International Airport from EU countries or departing from Curaçao International Airport to anywhere on flights operated by EU-based airlines are protected by EU 261/2004.

Thus, despite their geographic location outside the EU, certain flights from Curaçao International Airport may be subject to European regulations if they are operated by airlines from the European Union.

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

How to Claim Compensation from Curaçao International Airport

Flight delays and cancellations are common due to factors such as bad weather, air traffic congestion, technical problems, or staffing issues. If you encounter a flight disruption at Curaçao International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under European Union Regulation 261/2004.

To initiate a compensation claim, follow these steps:

1. Fill in our 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 manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.

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