Passengers of Pakistan International Airlines who have experienced a cancelled or delayed flight have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261, an airline is obliged to compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you need to take to receive the compensation you deserve from the airline.
Pakistan International Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Pakistan International Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of delay or flight cancellation.
Pakistan International Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU laws, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s essential to note that this flight delay compensation is based on the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you land at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by various criteria, including the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:
| 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 |
Remember you might not be compensated for every flight delay. Pakistan International Airlines isn’t required to provide compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control occur. This includes bad weather, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In these cases, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
Pakistan International Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you could qualify for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, according to the flight distance. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid paying compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
When accepting a different flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined based on two factors: the flight distance and the duration of the delay, according to the table provided below:
| 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 |
Pakistan International Airlines is not obliged to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Moreover, you generally won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline staff goes on strike.
Are Pakistan International Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Pakistan International Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they aren’t required to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This is true even for their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from Pakistan International Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with Pakistan International Airlines, it’s important to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. This is why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will make every effort to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re owed. There may be plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to do it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Pakistan International Airlines goes the additional mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, Pakistan International Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU 261, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Pakistan International Airlines offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
- Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, Pakistan International Airlines provides hotel accommodation. This also includes transportation between the airport and the hotel.
- Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.
To access these services, you can simply approach airport staff at the airport for instant assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Pakistan International Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel inconveniences and helping passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
- Rebooking: if you choose to continue your trip, Pakistan International Airlines will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Pakistan International Airlines shall arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Furthermore, you have the right to be rebooked, including in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s crucial to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re entitled to a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking includes connecting flights, Pakistan International Airlines will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not only the cancelled segment.
Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as easy as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.