Whenever flights are delayed or cancelled, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261 that helps protect passengers in these situations. According to EU261/2004, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. This article will focus on Middle East Airlines flight compensation, explaining when you may be entitled to it and how to claim it.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
EU Regulation 261 is the regulation that deals with the rights of air passengers. In particular, this regulation covers different situations, including flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to resolve individual cases with care and fairness. If the incident happens as a result of the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent certain inconveniences is entitled to obtain compensation. Furthermore, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
The EU 261 encompasses regulations concerning the process of compensation, including assistance to travelers experiencing 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 specific case.
Middle East Airlines Flight Cancellation Compensation
First and foremost, travelers need to know that the airline must inform them about the cancellation of their flight. If the airline notifies you under fourteen days before the date of your flight and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, must pay 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 original flight was supposed to, the passenger may also be eligible for 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 |
Middle East Airlines 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 three or more hours, the airline is obligated to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for five or more hours, the passenger is entitled to a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, this is the case when the airline must also provide a passenger with beverages, some food, 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 |
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 pertains to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which establishes regulations on compensation and assistance for travelers in the event of flight cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding.
The “Right to Care” under EU261 obliges airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Meals and beverages appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
Upgrading and Downgrading
In situations where a passenger gets an alternative flight, it is good to be aware of upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In situations, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for instance, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not be charged additional fees for this service.
Regarding downgrading in class (if you had a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to obtain reimbursement. In this case, it is worth mentioning 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.
Be aware that these rights apply to 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 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).
In addition, if the airline might have been able to do 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 Regulation 261 applies to 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.
However, Middle East 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.
| 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 cancellation or delay 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 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 such as your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07.01.202622:25 | Middle East Airlines 429 | (DXB) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:45 | Middle East Airlines 4437 | (DOH) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:35 | Middle East Airlines 4432 | (BEY) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:40 | Middle East Airlines 230 | (CDG) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:20 | Middle East Airlines 6639 | (MEL) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:35 | Middle East Airlines 6635 | (SYD) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:15 | Middle East Airlines 436 | (BEY) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:10 | Middle East Airlines 4003 | (MAD) (BCN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:00 | Middle East Airlines 4047 | (MAD) (AGP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:50 | Middle East Airlines 4414 | (BEY) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:40 | Middle East Airlines 212 | (CDG) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:25 | Middle East Airlines 365 | (JED) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:50 | Middle East Airlines 236 | (MXP) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:10 | Middle East Airlines 206 | (CDG) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202620:45 | Middle East Airlines 307 | (CAI) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202615:00 | Middle East Airlines 4513 | (LHR) (YYC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202613:25 | Middle East Airlines 4269 | (FCO) (NAP) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202613:20 | Middle East Airlines 4275 | (FCO) (VCE) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202613:20 | Middle East Airlines 4277 | (FCO) (FLR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
06.01.202612:05 | Middle East Airlines 4211 | (FCO) (CTA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202618:20 | Middle East Airlines 6639 | (MEL) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202617:55 | Middle East Airlines 422 | (BEY) (RUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202615:15 | Middle East Airlines 4065 | (MAD) (VLC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202613:00 | Middle East Airlines 4551 | (GVA) (YUL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
05.01.202612:40 | Middle East Airlines 4434 | (BEY) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
05.01.202611:45 | Middle East Airlines 214 | (GVA) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202620:40 | Middle East Airlines 6638 | (AUH) (MEL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202620:15 | Middle East Airlines 4550 | (YUL) (GVA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202616:35 | Middle East Airlines 6635 | (SYD) (AUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202615:00 | Middle East Airlines 4513 | (LHR) (YYC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202613:30 | Middle East Airlines 4344 | (CDG) (YUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202612:40 | Middle East Airlines 4434 | (BEY) (DOH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
04.01.202610:30 | Middle East Airlines 4342 | (CDG) (YUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202615:15 | Middle East Airlines 4065 | (MAD) (VLC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202614:35 | Middle East Airlines 4067 | (MAD) (PMI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202611:40 | Middle East Airlines 304 | (BEY) (CAI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
03.01.202609:45 | Middle East Airlines 1305 | (CAI) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
02.01.202614:30 | Middle East Airlines 4509 | (LHR) (YVR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
31.12.202512:00 | Middle East Airlines 4505 | (LHR) (YOW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202519:30 | Middle East Airlines 4506 | (YUL) (LHR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202518:10 | Middle East Airlines 4520 | (YYZ) (LHR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
30.12.202516:15 | Middle East Airlines 428 | (BEY) (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202512:00 | Middle East Airlines 218 | (FRA) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
29.12.202502:00 | Middle East Airlines 6484 | (AUH) (MCT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
28.12.202512:00 | Middle East Airlines 218 | (FRA) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202515:55 | Middle East Airlines 322 | (BEY) (BGW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202514:35 | Middle East Airlines 6486 | (AUH) (MCT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
27.12.202514:00 | Middle East Airlines 4356 | (CDG) (YYZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.12.202515:55 | Middle East Airlines 322 | (BEY) (BGW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.12.202513:30 | Middle East Airlines 4344 | (CDG) (YUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
25.12.202509:10 | Middle East Airlines 206 | (CDG) (BEY) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
24.12.202513:30 | Middle East Airlines 4344 | (CDG) (YUL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
