Coping with flight problems can be quite upsetting. However, the good news is that the European Union has regulations to help travelers when things get messed up. If you’re taking a plane in the EU, it’s smart to understand these regulations. They can help you out if your flight is disrupted.
Being aware of your options can make handling travel problems less stressful. While it won’t make your flight go any faster, it can help you feel less stressed when things get disrupted.
Passenger Rights under EU Regulation 261/2004
EU air passengers are protected if their flight experiences difficulties. EU laws ensure airlines take care of their passengers when things go wrong.
When flights are delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide you:
- Meals and beverages
- Accommodation if you’re stranded overnight
- Transportation to and from the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
If you’re delayed for a long time or your flight is cancelled, you might also get:
- A refund
- A different flight option
- Compensation to make up for the inconvenience
Remember to ask airline representatives about these things if your plans change. They have to inform you about your rights when there’s a significant delay or cancellation.
Air Malta Flight Delay Compensation
Travel setbacks from Air Malta can be really annoying. However there’s a bright side: if you’re stranded for more than three hours owing to the airline’s fault, you might be able to get some compensation.
Laws in the UK and EU are on your side. You could be eligible for up to €600 per person. What is important is when you arrive, not when you depart. So keep an eye on your arrival time if you want to seek flight delay compensation.
The amount you receive depends on how far you’re flying. A short flight won’t get you as much money as a long one, even if they’re both delayed the same amount of time.
Interested in learning exactly how much you could get? Take a look at the table below to see the potential reimbursement amounts:
| 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 |
Air Malta Flight Cancellation Compensation
The EU has laws to protect you if your flight gets cancelled. Here’s the important information:
In the event of a flight cancellation within two weeks of your scheduled departure, you could be eligible for compensation as much as €600. But keep in mind – the airline doesn’t have to pay if they can get you on another flight that aligns closely with your original schedule.
The airline can avoid paying you if they provide an alternative flight that meets the following conditions:
| 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 |
If you agree to take an alternative flight from the airline, you can still receive compensation. The most important thing is your arrival time at your destination.
How much money you might get is based on a couple of points:
- The distance of your flight
- The time difference between the scheduled and actual arrival
Therefore, even if the alternative flight is delayed, you might still get some compensation.
Look at the following table for more information:
| 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 |
The airline may not need to compensate you if they can provide transportation to your destination, close to the original schedule. Even if you’re just a little late, you might not be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
How to Claim Compensation from Air Malta
It’s crucial to understand the process of claiming the compensation you’re eligible for under EU Regulation 261/2004. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details including 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 do our best to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
Keep in mind that you have the right as a passenger to claim compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight. No matter whether your flight was delayed as a result of operational reasons or mechanical problems, if it was not caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather or air traffic control decisions, you are entitled to compensation.
Which Air Malta Flights are Covered by EU261?
The air passenger protection regulations of the European Union are far-reaching. They apply to any flight taking off from a European Union member state airport and to all flights arriving at an airport within an EU country provided the airline is based in the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing EU airports | ✅ Covered |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ✅ Covered |
These laws also include airlines from Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. This means if you’re traveling with any airline to, within, or from Europe, you likely have these rights. It’s helpful to know about these laws – they’re there to help you if problems occur with your flight. They guarantee you’re not left on your own when your travel plans fall through.
When You Are Not Entitled to Compensation
Air Malta isn’t necessarily at fault when flights are delayed or cancelled. At times, things happen that the airline is powerless against, like extreme weather or unforeseen issues.
For example, if there’s an abrupt major weather event, an airport emergency, or an air traffic control strike, Air Malta is not liable. These are called “extraordinary circumstances” that the airline can’t do anything about.
When these things happen, you probably won’t get any compensation. The airline is not considered to be doing anything wrong when these unexpected issues come up.