Whenever flights are delayed or cancelled, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. According to EU261, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
EU Regulation 261 is the regulation that covers the rights of air passengers. Specifically, this regulation covers different situations, such as rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and obligates airlines to resolve individual cases with fairness and care. If the situation occurs as a result of the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences is entitled to obtain compensation. Furthermore, travelers may be eligible for certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
European Union Regulation 261 encompasses regulations regarding the compensation process, including aid to people who suffered from flight problems. In particular, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, depending on your circumstances.
Compensation for Gulf Air Flight Cancellation
First and foremost, travelers need to know that the airline must inform them about the cancellation of their flight. 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, must pay you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger could be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations according to the duration 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 |
Compensation for Gulf Air Flight Delay
When a flight is delayed for three or more 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, this is the case when the airline is also required to provide a passenger with beverages, some food, 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 |
Right to Care
Right to Care relates to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which establishes common rules on assistance and compensation for travelers in the event of flight cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding.
The “Right to Care” under EU261 requires airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Snacks and beverages appropriate for the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
Upgrading and Downgrading
In situations where a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is helpful 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 will not be charged additional fees for this upgrade.
Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you can obtain 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 apply to any flights inside 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 will not receive compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Specifically, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are not within the airline’s control. A few 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).
In addition, if the airline could hypothetically have done something to avoid issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you might be entitled to compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also applies to 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.
However, Gulf Air is not a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This is true even for 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 Gulf Air Compensation
Flight delay or cancellation is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight cancellation or delay should know exactly how to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.