Whenever flights get cancelled or delayed, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in these situations. According to EU261, if your flight is disrupted, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. This article will focus on Air Mauritius flight compensation, explaining when you may be entitled to it and how to claim it.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
European Union Regulation 261 is the legislation that covers air passengers’ rights. More precisely, this law covers diverse cases, such as rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and requires airlines to handle individual cases with care and fairness. If the situation occurs due to the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences is entitled to obtain compensation. In addition, travelers may be eligible for certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
European Union Regulation 261 contains rules regarding the compensation process, including aid to people who suffered from flight problems. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per person. This sum ranges, according to your circumstances.
Air Mauritius Flight Cancellation Compensation
First and foremost, passengers need to know that the airline is required to notify them about the flight cancellation. In case the airline informs you under fourteen days before your flight date and does not offer any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261/2004, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger may also be eligible for compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on the length of the delay:
| 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 |
Air Mauritius Flight Delay Compensation
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the delay time, with longer delays generally resulting in higher compensation amounts. When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for five or more hours, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, in such situations, the airline is also required to provide a passenger with food, drinks, and accommodation. See key information on compensation in the table below:
| 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 |
When submitting a compensation claim for a delayed flight, providing accurate flight details is essential to support your case.
Right to Care
Right to Care refers to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which establishes standard rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations.
The “Right to Care” under EU261 obliges airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers facing significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Meals and drinks appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation
- Emails or faxes and two free phone calls
Upgrading and Downgrading
In situations where a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is important to know about upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In situations, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for example, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t have to pay extra for this upgrade.
Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you can get reimbursement. Here, it’s important to note that the amount of compensation is entirely based on the distance of a flight:
- 30% of the flight tickets cost for a 1,500 km distance or less;
- 50% of the flight tickets cost (specifically, for intra-EU flights that are over 1,500 km and all other flights with a 1,500 km and 3,500 km distance;
- 75% of the ticket price for flights with a 3,500+ km distance.
Consider that these rights cover every flight within the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union operated by airlines based in the EU.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers aren’t eligible for compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Specifically, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are not within the airline’s control. Some of the examples are as follows:
- Bad weather conditions and natural disasters;
- Political circumstances (related security risks, terrorist attacks);
- A collision of the aircraft and foreign objects (birds, for instance);
- Unruly or very ill passengers;
- Strikes (that are not caused by the airline’s crew).
Moreover, if the airline could hypothetically have done something to prevent issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you can claim compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Air Mauritius is not a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This applies even to their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from the EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at the EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Air Mauritius Compensation
Flight delay or cancellation can be a frustrating experience that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight delay or cancellation should understand the steps to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will do our best to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
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