Middle East Airlines Compensation and Reimbursement for Cancelled and Delayed Flights

Whenever flights are delayed or cancelled, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. Under EU 261/2004, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

European Union Regulation 261 is the law that covers air passengers’ rights. More precisely, this law covers diverse cases, such as flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and obligates 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 has a right to get compensation. Moreover, passengers may be entitled to certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.

Right to Compensation

EU Regulation 261 includes rules regarding the process of compensation, including assistance to travelers affected by flight problems. In particular, the amount of compensation you can expect to receive is up to 600 euros per person. This sum ranges, according to your circumstances.

Compensation for Middle East Airlines 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 notifies you less than fourteen days before the date of your flight 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 provided with an alternative flight but reaches his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger may also be entitled to 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

Compensation for Middle East Airlines Flight Delay

When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is required to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.

Furthermore, in such situations, the airline also must provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See essential details about 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 pertains to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which sets out common rules on assistance and compensation for travelers in the event of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations.

The “Right to Care” under EU 261/2004 requires airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers experiencing 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 gets an alternative flight, it is important to know about upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.

In cases, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for instance, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not have to pay additional fees for this upgrade.

Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class flight, 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.

Consider that these rights cover every flight within the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union by airlines based in the EU.

When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?

Unfortunately, there are cases, when passengers will not receive compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Particularly, we refer to extraordinary circumstances that are beyond 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).

Moreover, if the airline potentially could have done something to avoid problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for 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 is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

Nevertheless, Middle East Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required 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 Middle East Airlines Compensation

Flight delay or cancellation can be a frustrating experience that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight cancellation or delay should be aware of the process to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:

1. Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws well and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

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