SriLankan Airlines Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Passengers of SriLankan Airlines who have faced a flight delay or cancellation are legally entitled to compensation. According to EU 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we’ll examine your rights and the actions you should follow to obtain the compensation you have a right to from the airline.

SriLankan Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation

Before claiming the SriLankan Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in the event of flight cancellation or delay.

SriLankan Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay

In line with UK and EU regulations, passengers are eligible for up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. 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 hinges on the actual time you arrive 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 depends on 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 may not be compensated for every flight delay. SriLankan Airlines isn’t required to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances outside their control arise. This includes bad weather, problems at the airport, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In such situations, you will usually not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.

SriLankan Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation

EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines have to notify passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before departure. 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 may 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 compensation amount is calculated based on two factors: the distance of the flight and the duration of the delay, according to 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

SriLankan Airlines isn’t required to compensate you if they provide an alternative flight that departs and arrives around the same time as your original flight. Also, you usually 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 SriLankan Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?

EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

Nevertheless, SriLankan Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have 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 SriLankan Airlines

If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with SriLankan Airlines, it’s essential to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. That’s why it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:

• Complete our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
• Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will handle the rest. We are well-versed in the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to secure your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.

These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you’re owed. You might 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

SriLankan Airlines goes the additional mile to support passengers during travel disruptions by offering services that complement flight compensation.

Right to Care

When flight disruptions occur, SriLankan Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:

• Food and Drinks: 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: SriLankan 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, SriLankan Airlines arranges hotel room accommodation. This covers 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 immediate assistance.

Rebooking and Refunds

When SriLankan Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to receive a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This flexibility is essential for minimizing travel inconveniences and supporting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances efficiently.

• 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, SriLankan Airlines shall 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, SriLankan Airlines shall arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, 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 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. Furthermore, if your booking includes connecting flights, SriLankan Airlines shall help 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 smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.

Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations