Passengers of RwandAir who have experienced a delayed or cancelled flight are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the steps you should follow to receive the compensation you deserve from the airline.
RwandAir Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the RwandAir compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of delay or flight cancellation.
RwandAir Compensation for Flight Delay
In line with UK and EU regulations, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight experiences a delay. It’s essential to note that this flight delay compensation is calculated using the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim is the actual time you arrive at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you could be eligible for if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation varies based on various criteria, including the duration of the delay and the route length 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 |
Keep in mind you may not be compensated for every flight delay. RwandAir isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances outside their control arise. This covers severe weather conditions, problems at the airport, or air traffic controller strikes. In these cases, you will usually not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
RwandAir 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, based on the distance of the flight. Nonetheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid 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 |
Even when accepting a different flight, passengers retain their right to 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, in line with the table 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 |
RwandAir isn’t required to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to 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 adverse weather conditions or when airline staff goes on strike.
Are RwandAir Flights 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.
Nevertheless, RwandAir is not a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to 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 RwandAir
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with RwandAir, it’s essential to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. That’s 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 including your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We know the EU laws well and will strive 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 receiving the compensation you’re owed. You may have plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to file it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
RwandAir goes the additional mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, RwandAir is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, becomes applicable when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with food and drinks appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: RwandAir 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, RwandAir arranges hotel room accommodation. This also includes transportation to and from 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 RwandAir cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This flexibility is essential for minimizing travel interruptions and helping passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can receive 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, RwandAir will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, RwandAir shall arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, even in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s essential to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Additionally, if your booking involves connecting flights, RwandAir will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just 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.