Flight cancellations and delays are the most frequent issues experienced by travelers. Luckily, the European Union has EU 261 regulation, which ensures that you, as a passenger, are not left in a difficult situation and that your rights are protected. The EU Regulation 261/2004 outlines the situations under which passengers are eligible for compensation and assistance in cases of flight disruption.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Regulation EU261 and in which situations you are eligible for compensation.
Passenger Rights under EU 261/2004
According to EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers flying to or from Belfast International Airport on flights operated by EU-based airlines have specific rights if they experience significant cancellations or delays. These rights include:
- Food and drinks: Airlines must provide proper refreshments and snacks during the waiting period.
- Access to means of communication: Passengers should be provided two free phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- Hotel accommodation if necessary: When an overnight stay is necessary, the airline is obligated to provide accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel.
- Ticket refund or alternative flight: Passengers may select from a full refund of their ticket or rebooking on an alternative flight to their final destination.
- Compensation: Based on the flight distance and length of delay, passengers might be entitled to financial compensation between €250 to €600.
Belfast International Airport Flight Delay Compensation
Passengers experiencing flight delays at Belfast International Airport could be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person, especially if the delay lasts longer than three hours. The right to compensation is determined by the cause of the delay and whether it complies with UK and EU laws. The amount of compensation is determined on the time of arrival at the destination rather than departure time and is influenced by the distance of the flight and the length of the delay.
| 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 that airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for delays caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control.
Belfast International Airport Flight Cancellation Compensation
In the event of a flight cancellation causing inconvenience at the Belfast International Airport, under EU Regulation 261, flyers may receive compensation of up to €600 if the airline notifies them of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.
Nonetheless, there are exceptions to this law. The airline might be exempt from compensating passengers if it provides an alternative flight that meets certain criteria, letting you arrive at your destination with the minimal delay possible:
| 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 |
Compensation might still be available even though you accept an alternative flight, provided your arrival at the final destination is significantly delayed. The compensation amount is calculated by the flight distance and the length of the delay. You can refer to the table below to figure out the amount of compensation you are entitled to:
| 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 |
Keep in mind that airlines typically don’t offer compensation for cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather or strikes by air traffic controllers.
Which Belfast International Airport Flights are Covered by EU261?
When you’re departing from an airport in the European Union and traveling on an airline flight from the EU, you are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation guarantees that you have certain rights in case of a delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, and related issues. Here’s a more detailed table of what situations are covered under EU Regulation 261 and which are not:
| Itinerary | EU Airline | Non-EU Airline |
| Departures from Belfast International Airport to anywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Arrivals at Belfast International Airport from inside the EU | Yes | No |
| Arrivals at Belfast International Airport Airport from outside the EU | Yes | No |
How to Claim Compensation from Belfast International Airport
Flight cancellations and delays are common due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, air traffic congestion, mechanical problems, or crew shortages. If you experience a flight disruption at Belfast International Airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
To initiate your compensation claim, take the following 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 handle the rest. We know the EU laws well and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.