Malaysia Airlines Compensation and Reimbursement for Cancelled and Delayed Flights

Yurii Moskalenko
23.08.2024
Updated 05.05.2025

Whenever flights are cancelled or delayed, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. Under EU 261, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

The EU 261 is the law that deals with the rights of air passengers. Specifically, this law covers diverse cases, including delays, flight cancellations, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to resolve individual cases with fairness and care. If the incident happens due to 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

The EU 261 contains rules concerning the process of compensation, including assistance for passengers who suffered from air travel disruptions. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can potentially get is up to 600 euros per passenger. This sum varies, based on your circumstances.

Compensation for Malaysia Airlines Flight Cancellation

First and foremost, travelers should be aware that the airline must inform them about the flight cancellation. In case the airline notifies you less than fourteen days before your scheduled departure and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.

At the same time, if a passenger is provided with an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger might be eligible for compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations according to the length of the delay:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

Compensation for Malaysia Airlines Flight Delay

When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to provide 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 also must provide a passenger with food, drinks, and accommodation. See essential details about compensation in the table below:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursDistance
€0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
€0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
€0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
€0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Right to Care

Right to Care pertains to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which establishes regulations on compensation and assistance to passengers in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays.

The “Right to Care” under EU 261 requires airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers experiencing significant delays or cancellations. These include:

  • Food and beverages appropriate for 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 understand upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.

In cases, 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 service.

Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you have a right to receive reimbursement. In this case, 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.

Keep in mind that these rights apply to all flights 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 situations, when passengers will not receive compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Particularly, we refer to extraordinary circumstances that are outside of 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).

In addition, if the airline could hypothetically have done something to avoid problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you might be entitled to compensation.

Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?

EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. 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.

Nevertheless, Malaysia Airlines isn’t a European airline. Therefore, 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.

ItineraryCovered by EU 261
Flights departing from the EU airports✔️ Yes
Flights arriving at the EU airports❌ No

How to Claim Malaysia Airlines Compensation

Flight delay or cancellation is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight cancellation or delay should understand the steps to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:

  1. Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
  2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We know the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to obtain your rightful compensation. You only pay us 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

17.07.202520:55

Malaysia Airlines

9169

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (KIX)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202518:10

Malaysia Airlines

9797

Tokyo (NRT)

Taipei (TPE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202517:45

Malaysia Airlines

9164

Tokyo (NRT)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202517:35

Malaysia Airlines

3019

Lahad Datu (LDU)

Kota-Kinabalu (BKI)

Cancelled

Claim Refund

17.07.202517:25

Malaysia Airlines

3519

Lawas (LWY)

Miri (MYY)

Cancelled

Claim Refund

17.07.202517:20

Malaysia Airlines

9912

London (LHR)

Berlin (BER)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202516:30

Malaysia Airlines

9326

Seattle (SEA)

Doha (DOH)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202516:20

Malaysia Airlines

3518

Miri (MYY)

Lawas (LWY)

Cancelled

Claim Refund

17.07.202516:15

Malaysia Airlines

3018

Kota-Kinabalu (BKI)

Lahad Datu (LDU)

Cancelled

Claim Refund

17.07.202515:50

Malaysia Airlines

4339

Istanbul (IST)

Berlin (BER)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202515:40

Malaysia Airlines

4331

Istanbul (IST)

Hanover (HAJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202515:10

Malaysia Airlines

5598

Penang (PEN)

Taipei (TPE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202510:55

Malaysia Airlines

9138

Tokyo (HND)

Dallas (DFW)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202509:15

Malaysia Airlines

366

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Taipei (TPE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

17.07.202507:10

Malaysia Airlines

4591

Tagbilaran (TAG)

Manila (MNL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202523:40

Malaysia Airlines

318

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

(PKX)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202522:30

Malaysia Airlines

4208

Berlin (BER)

Doha (DOH)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202521:00

Malaysia Airlines

9168

Tokyo (KIX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202519:45

Malaysia Airlines

9914

London (LHR)

Berlin (BER)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202519:20

Malaysia Airlines

5264

Bangalore (BLR)

Tiruchirapally (TRZ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202518:30

Malaysia Airlines

9104

Tokyo (HND)

New York (JFK)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202518:05

Malaysia Airlines

5607

Tiruchirapally (TRZ)

Chennai (MAA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202517:45

Malaysia Airlines

9164

Tokyo (NRT)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202515:30

Malaysia Airlines

4137

Riyadh (RUH)

Doha (DOH)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202514:50

Malaysia Airlines

9166

Tokyo (KIX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202513:40

Malaysia Airlines

9145

New York (JFK)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202512:50

Malaysia Airlines

9165

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (KIX)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202511:05

Malaysia Airlines

5235

Dubai (DXB)

Muscat (MCT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202511:00

Malaysia Airlines

2661

Tawau (TWU)

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202510:55

Malaysia Airlines

9138

Tokyo (HND)

Dallas (DFW)

Delayed

Claim Refund

16.07.202506:05

Malaysia Airlines

5233

Dubai (DXB)

Muscat (MCT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202517:45

Malaysia Airlines

9164

Tokyo (NRT)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202517:15

Malaysia Airlines

9912

London (LHR)

Berlin (BER)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202514:50

Malaysia Airlines

9166

Tokyo (KIX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202514:15

Malaysia Airlines

9171

Los Angeles (LAX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202509:25

Malaysia Airlines

1268

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Kuantan (KUA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

15.07.202501:40

Malaysia Airlines

9103

New York (JFK)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202520:55

Malaysia Airlines

9169

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (KIX)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202519:35

Malaysia Airlines

4680

Tawau (TWU)

Kota-Kinabalu (BKI)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202517:45

Malaysia Airlines

9164

Tokyo (NRT)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202514:55

Malaysia Airlines

3633

Mulu (MZV)

Miri (MYY)

Cancelled

Claim Refund

14.07.202514:50

Malaysia Airlines

9166

Tokyo (KIX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202513:40

Malaysia Airlines

9145

New York (JFK)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202512:50

Malaysia Airlines

9165

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (KIX)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202512:45

Malaysia Airlines

9779

Honolulu (HNL)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202512:25

Malaysia Airlines

9101

San Francisco (SFO)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202512:05

Malaysia Airlines

9149

Dallas (DFW)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

14.07.202511:00

Malaysia Airlines

2661

Tawau (TWU)

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202521:05

Malaysia Airlines

9536

Chicago (ORD)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202521:00

Malaysia Airlines

9168

Tokyo (KIX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202517:45

Malaysia Airlines

9164

Tokyo (NRT)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202515:13

Malaysia Airlines

9381

Seattle (SEA)

Chicago (ORD)

Cancelled

Claim Refund

13.07.202514:50

Malaysia Airlines

9166

Tokyo (KIX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202514:15

Malaysia Airlines

9171

Los Angeles (LAX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202513:40

Malaysia Airlines

9145

New York (JFK)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202511:30

Malaysia Airlines

9323

Doha (DOH)

Baku (GYD)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202511:30

Malaysia Airlines

9110

Tokyo (HND)

Chicago (ORD)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202507:30

Malaysia Airlines

9823

Edinburgh (EDI)

London (LHR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

13.07.202507:15

Malaysia Airlines

9863

Hamburg (HAM)

London (LHR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202521:00

Malaysia Airlines

9168

Tokyo (KIX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202518:15

Malaysia Airlines

2665

Tawau (TWU)

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202517:50

Malaysia Airlines

9468

Chicago (ORD)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202517:45

Malaysia Airlines

9164

Tokyo (NRT)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202514:50

Malaysia Airlines

9166

Tokyo (KIX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202514:35

Malaysia Airlines

2664

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Tawau (TWU)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202513:40

Malaysia Airlines

9145

New York (JFK)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202512:50

Malaysia Airlines

9165

Tokyo (HND)

Tokyo (KIX)

Delayed

Claim Refund

12.07.202510:55

Malaysia Airlines

9138

Tokyo (HND)

Dallas (DFW)

Delayed

Claim Refund

11.07.202517:49

Malaysia Airlines

9468

Chicago (ORD)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

11.07.202514:15

Malaysia Airlines

9171

Los Angeles (LAX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

11.07.202513:55

Malaysia Airlines

9280

Athens (ATH)

Doha (DOH)

Delayed

Claim Refund

11.07.202510:46

Malaysia Airlines

9431

Seattle (SEA)

Chicago (ORD)

Cancelled

Claim Refund

10.07.202521:05

Malaysia Airlines

9536

Chicago (ORD)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202521:00

Malaysia Airlines

9168

Tokyo (KIX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202518:25

Malaysia Airlines

1276

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Kuantan (KUA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202517:49

Malaysia Airlines

9468

Chicago (ORD)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202517:45

Malaysia Airlines

9164

Tokyo (NRT)

Seattle (SEA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202517:25

Malaysia Airlines

5231

Khasab (KHS)

Muscat (MCT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

10.07.202514:50

Malaysia Airlines

9166

Tokyo (KIX)

Tokyo (HND)

Delayed

Claim Refund

09.07.202518:30

Malaysia Airlines

9104

Tokyo (HND)

New York (JFK)

Delayed

Claim Refund

09.07.202512:55

Malaysia Airlines

5440

Banda Aceh (BTJ)

Penang (PEN)

Delayed

Claim Refund

09.07.202511:45

Malaysia Airlines

5441

Penang (PEN)

Banda Aceh (BTJ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

09.07.202511:30

Malaysia Airlines

9110

Tokyo (HND)

Chicago (ORD)

Delayed

Claim Refund

09.07.202508:55

Malaysia Airlines

5683

Amsterdam (AMS)

Brussels (BRU)

Delayed

Claim Refund

09.07.202506:05

Malaysia Airlines

5561

Manila (MNL)

Davao (DVO)

Delayed

Claim Refund

09.07.202502:30

Malaysia Airlines

4085

Doha (DOH)

Budapest (BUD)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202522:35

Malaysia Airlines

5568

Tiruchirapally (TRZ)

Chennai (MAA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202522:35

Malaysia Airlines

5562

Tiruchirapally (TRZ)

Chennai (MAA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202521:05

Malaysia Airlines

5566

Chennai (MAA)

Tiruchirapally (TRZ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202520:55

Malaysia Airlines

5574

Tiruchirapally (TRZ)

Bangalore (BLR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202520:55

Malaysia Airlines

5605

Okinawa (OKA)

Taipei (TPE)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202520:55

Malaysia Airlines

5583

Tiruchirapally (TRZ)

Bangalore (BLR)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202520:00

Malaysia Airlines

9866

London (LHR)

Hamburg (HAM)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202520:00

Malaysia Airlines

5611

Tiruchirapally (TRZ)

Chennai (MAA)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202519:45

Malaysia Airlines

4929

Bangkok (BKK)

Phuket (HKT)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202519:20

Malaysia Airlines

5264

Bangalore (BLR)

Tiruchirapally (TRZ)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202519:10

Malaysia Airlines

4868

Phuket (HKT)

Bangkok (BKK)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202518:25

Malaysia Airlines

5674

Helsinki (HEL)

Amsterdam (AMS)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202517:20

Malaysia Airlines

5693

Amsterdam (AMS)

Zurich (ZRH)

Delayed

Claim Refund

08.07.202517:10

Malaysia Airlines

4841

Helsinki (HEL)

Doha (DOH)

Delayed

Claim Refund
Yurii Moskalenko
2470 articles
Yurii educates people about human rights and advocacy. He creates helpful materials for travelers to assert their rights. With certifications in law and economics, Yurii turns legal terms into simple, actionable advice. His travel experience gives him valuable insight into the challenges travelers face, helping him better understand their needs.

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